Jordan Pace was not the only firefighter recognized by his peers at the Archer Lodge Fire Department last month as a Firefighter of the Year. Jody Chamblee, the department’s secretary also won recognition in what, for lack of a better term, we’ll call the veteran firefighter’s category.

Chamblee has been an integral part of the department, taking on more than just the role of a firefighter, but pulling administrative duty in a business that has become more bureaucratic than ever.

Pace’s award, though, gives us a peace of mind that volunteerism is far from dead. People will likely continue to look for ways to serve others.

For Pace, his volunteerism is something of a family tradition. His father has served the same fire department for years and young Jordan, now 17, has learned the value of volunteerism simply by mimicking the behavior he sees at home.

And, after all, isn’t that really how we all learn our habits and values?

Though Jordan Pace hasn’t yet become old enough to fully serve in his role as a firefighter – he has to be at least 18 – he’s already shown the commitment it takes to serve in that role and, when that birthday rolls around, we suspect he will answer the first call that sounds on his pager.

And, we believe, wholeheartedly that it will become a lifelong avocation for him.

A young man with a calm demeanor, he talks quickly about things he enjoys, farming, firefighting, his girlfriend. That’s the kind of personality that will carry him far as an adult and serve him well in the chaos of a fire scene.

For any adult who lives in the Archer Lodge community, and someday finds themselves in need of the fire department’s help, they can be comforted in knowing that people like Jordan Pace will alwas be there to answer that call.