78-year-old wrote the book on volunteering - Continued
Written by Jim Six - Reprinted courtesy of the Gloucester County Times - February 21, 2002

East Greenwich Fire Co. gave Norman a plaque and a leather helmet on which were inscribed the dates he served as chief and president of the company. Norman remains current with training and certification. "I try to make all the calls, the drills and all the meetings," he said. "I've had other hobbies, but this has always been something that is of special interest to me." He doesn't spend as much time at the fire house as he used to. "I realize physical limitations are aginst me. I decided it was time for me to let somebody else in. If I can help the younger firefighters or the juniors, I can still carry a light or move the truck. In the last year or so, I have opted to stay with the truck at a fire scene and I can move the trucks around," he said. "I'm still in good shape despite the fact that I'm 78 years old." What's the trick to getting people to volunteer? "A lot of people would like to know the asnwer to that one. We're better off than a couple years ago. Two years ago we hit the low point. You've heard it all. Two working people in a family, the kids have to go to soccer, hockey, band practice. Also there are people moving in who don't realize the fire department is volunteer and that they need the help," Norman said.