On the Cover
MEET Paulding County Firemen
Joe Sarber, Brian Cowan, Aaron Wilder, and Ronnie Orr
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this month we should remember that, during this busy time of year, we need to take necessary precautions at home and on the road to BE SAFE. Protecting you and your family is very important to the four Paulding County Firefighters we are proud to feature on our cover this month.
Brian Cowan
Brian has lived in Paulding for 15 years. He and his wife, Sherry, have been married for 16 years, and have two children, daughter Taylor and son Wil.
Brian has always had a strong desire to help people. Shortly after 9/11 he looked into becoming a volunteer fireman with Paulding. Halfway through the process, he knew this was what he was meant to do. He went through EMT and rookie fire training. His wife shared with us that while in rookie school, he was the top recruit of his class. Then in 2002 when he applied as a full-time firefighter, he was hired the first time around with the PCFD.
Like most firemen, Brian has some really great and really painful stories. The night of the flood in 2009 really stands out for him because he says, “that shift was literally non-stop. It’s hard to describe the conditions and what we did that night. It was very chaotic and taxing on our resources, but everyone did what was needed.” That night was difficult, but through the efforts of men like Brian and his partner Brandon Maple, there were no lives lost. Brain is especially proud of working with a partner like Brandon, who is currently serving on active duty with the United States Marine Corp.
Ronnie Orr
Ronnie is originally from Austell and has lived in Paulding for 16 years. He and his wife Jennifer have been married 10 years and they have one son, Colton age 6.
While Ronnie was growing up, he saw firefighters as men of adventure. As he got older, he knew he enjoyed helping people and then began to see that being a firefighter would be a career option for him. He started out with EMT training. During his training and work on an ambulance, he worked as a volunteer fireman with Paulding. Then in 1996 he was hired on with the PCFD.
Some of the experiences are wonderful, but many more are difficult to handle. Ronnie credits his relationship with Jesus Christ as his only way of being able to handle difficult situations. He always prays on the way to every call, and has faith that God will give him exactly what he needs to get through it.
Joe Sarber
Joe was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His inspiration for becoming a firefighter developed after his 16 year old brother was nearly killed in an automobile accident and then developed seizures. The first time his brother had a seizure Joe was terrified and still remembers the feeling of relief when he heard the sounds of the fire truck's sirens neared their home. It was then he knew he wanted to be that person on the truck bringing that same sense of relief to others.
Three years ago while visiting Paulding and submitting his applications to surrounding fire departments, he happened to run into Larry Davis, PCFD Quartermaster. He informed Joe that it was the last day of the application process for the county. He immediately submitted an application and approximately one year later signed a contract with the PCFD.
Joe and his fiancé Gentry have two wonderful children, 6 year old daughter Mia and 4 year old son Elijah. During his spare time, he serves on the Board of Directors of Humble Heroes, a non profit organization which raises money for disabled or terminally ill firefighters and police officers.
Aaron Wilder
Aaron was born and raised in California. After serving in the military he moved to Arizona where he began his career as a firefighter. While there he met his wife, Amanda, who was from Paulding. They decided to move to back to Georgia to start their family; now they have a daughter and a son.
It was during Aaron’s time in the military that he became a volunteer fireman and fell in love with the profession. He says, “I’ve always had it in my blood to be behind the lights and sirens going to a fire. The adrenaline you get from being in a fire truck is the best feeling in the world.” Shortly after his move here, Aaron was hired by the PCFD and he’s been with them for three years.
Christmas is a favorite time for Aaron. Through firehouse Christmas programs he is able to help local families who have fallen on hard times by providing a meal and presents for the children. His favorite part is seeing the excitement on the children’s faces. He says, “It’s good to remember the meaning of Christmas and to do for others.” It was a tradition of his in Arizona, and one he is continuing here in Paulding.
All of these men have giving hearts; they are full of humility and concern for others. In addition to the time and dedication they give each month to the Paulding County Fire Department, they are giving back this Christmas by heading up an in-house program that will give some of Paulding’s disadvantaged families a Merry Christmas.
We appreciate the assistance of Deputy Fire Chief Joey D. Pelfrey, Fire Chief Michael Earwood, and the rest of the men at Station 2. It was an honor to be allowed to come to their house and photograph these men with the old 1947 Dodge fire truck* that proudly stands outside their station.
*This 1947 Dodge Fire Truck was purchased new by the Smyrna Fire Department. In 1972 the engine was donated to the Paulding County Union Volunteer FD and was used as a brush truck (to fight brush fires). Later, it was sold to an unknown individual. Chief Earwood found the engine at a car dealership in Carrollton in 2001 and returned it to Paulding County.