Crime & Safety
HERO PROFILE: AVFD's Fire Fighter Chuck Gross
It's not easy becoming one of the "Old Guys" at the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Fighter Chuck Gross talks about maturing as a hero and role model with Station 7.
In elementary school when friends were reading MAD magazine and adventure stories, Fire Fighter Chuck Gross was reading Firehouse Magazine. He has had that subscription for more than 30 years now.
“My family was always very involved in the fire service. I joined the firehouse in 1986, the week after my 16th birthday. It's 25 years later and I’m still involved with some of those members I attended Fire Fighter I class with. But now we are the "old guys" of the station,” said Gross.
“When my folks moved to Crofton 43 years ago, this area was still a farming community and this fire station was started by those farm families. That is important to me. It is tied to respect for the history of my community. My family has lived here since before Crofton Parkway was a complete circle. In those days there was even a little grocery store in the Village Green," he added.
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He said his favorite apparatus to ride is the Squad "Betty Lou." The now-retired Squad was being built the year he joined.
“For many of us from that era there will always be a soft spot for that squad. However, I always look forward to the rescue work we do with the new squad,” said Gross.
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When asked about the worst part of the job he said “I think I would have to say that seeing people and families in distress is the hardest part.” He also added the some of the best parts included friendship. “Many of my friends here at Arundel I have known for more than 20 years and we have been through a lot together, so Station 7 is like family. And this I know for sure: If I ever need them, they will always be there for me.”
Gross said he also enjoys working with the community. “Our fund-raising events are critical to our survival and it is another opportunity to be in touch with our neighbors. We all work the fire house events, pit beef and tree sales etc. Even my nieces and nephew have worked tree sales with us. My mom was one of the first members of the Ladies Auxiliary. The events involving kids are great.
On October 30th we will be hosting the Annual Halloween Kids’ Bingo. The kids get dressed up and play 14 games of Bingo, plus we provide them lunch. It’s just a lot of fun for everyone,” said Gross.
