Credit: Centre Square Fire Company.
Robert “Bob” Scott IV, 52, and his daughter, Emma Scott, 20, joined Centre Square Fire Company together in November 2024.
“This was the perfect opportunity to share something with her that we both enjoy doing and strengthen our bond,” said Bob. “I really enjoy talking with Emma about my prior experiences and teaching her new things about the fire service.”
Bob’s father, Robert Scott III, was a member of Flourtown Fire Company for over 60 years, which fueled Bob’s early passion for the fire service and led him to join Wissahickon Fire Company at 18. He also volunteered with Colmar Fire Company, and during his time as an EMT with VMSC in Lansdale, he met his wife, Mary-Ann.
Once they married and started having children, Bob gave up firefighting, but his daughter, Emma, began her own firefighting journey. While attending West Chester University, she joined the West Chester Fire Company. After returning to her hometown, Emma wanted to continue her service as a volunteer firefighter. With a shared passion and interest in the fire service, Emma asked Bob to join Centre Square Fire Company with her.
“The first time my dad and I went to Centre Square’s drill and watched everyone do their thing, it was awesome,” said Emma. “I love being able to share something we both love and have a sense of purpose with it, too.”
It’s harder for Bob to spend time with his four children as they get older, so spending time with Emma is even more special.
“Emma is a curious and confident woman who loves to engage in physically or mentally challenging activities and experiences,” said Bob. “She is the only one of my four children who would ride on the amusement rides with me and is the first to try new things. She is always putting herself out there to try anything, which I really admire about her.”
Emma enjoys that Centre Square’s training is so hands-on. It’s one thing to read or see what to do, but Centre Square lets her actively do it.
“Their willingness to let me jump in and really get to try the skills makes me a better firefighter,” she said. “I use saws, I flow water, I just overall get an active experience, which best prepares me for the real-world calls.”
One of those calls was when Emma and her dad responded to a chimney fire and were on the tower ladder truck together.
“We needed to go up on the Tower to the roof, but only one of us could go,” said Bob.
“She tried to rock, paper, scissors me for it, but I told her she should go, as she’s never done it before. It was a proud moment to see her up there using her skills and getting that experience.”
“Being able to hear the tone on your phone, and know your dad is running down the steps with you to make that call, is the best thing I could ask for,” adds Emma.
She admires that her dad is always ready to answer a call at the drop of a dime.
“He’s in it for the pure joy of knowing he can help people, which is something I look up to entirely,” said Emma.
The Volunteer Experience at Centre Square Fire Company
Although the Scotts had experience before joining, it’s not required before signing up.
Centre Square Fire Company provides training and gear to all volunteers. Bob and Emma agree that Centre Square is much more than a place to learn lifesaving skills.
“The biggest, most valuable skill I believe we teach at Centre Square is the respect for each other,” said Bob. “After every call, we thank each other for either driving, responding to the call, doing a certain job on the scene, or just showing up. It doesn’t matter what level you are or how many years you’ve been with the Company, everyone is welcome and appreciated.”
To anyone considering joining Centre Square, Emma says that the fire company offers support every step of the way.
“You’re surrounded by people who are passionate about serving, staying sharp and doing things the right way,” said Emma.
Volunteers also become an integral part of the community in other ways.
“Outside of firefighting, we offer other valuable community support functions, like the Santa Run, WRA Parade, Comedy Night and many other events throughout our township and the surrounding area,” said Bob.
When he’s not volunteering, Bob is an accountant by trade and works as the Vice President of Finance for a publicly traded insurance company. He has been married for over 25 years and has four children: April, 29, Nathan, 24, Emma, 20, and Evan, 15.
Meanwhile, Emma completed her EMT certification and started working on the beach patrol team in Ocean City, Md., in May.
To learn more about volunteering at Centre Square Fire Company, visit www.CentreSquareFire.org.
