Tracey Keelan has always been drawn to volunteering for her community.
Tracey has been an ocean lifeguard for 21 years. One night when all the guards were getting off duty, Ocean Beach Fire Company received a call for someone missing, and potentially in the ocean. Still on the beach, Tracey helped them deploy their Jet Ski.
“Being someone who wants to help, I went back to the firehouse to get the Chief’s information and contacted him about how I could get more involved,” she said.
Now, Tracey has been a volunteer firefighter with Ocean Beach Fire Company since last summer.
“I volunteer in all aspects I’m trained to do,” she said. Tracey went through Fire Academy I and II and also participates in water rescue with Jet Ski rescue, diving and boat courses.
“The best aspects of volunteering are the simplest things,” said Tracey, who believes that so much can be gained from the selfless choice of volunteering. “I think it gives a personal gratification to be able to help your community and potentially your neighbors or friends.”
When not volunteering at the firehouse, Tracey works as a personal trainer and lifeguard. She also enjoys spending time with her dog and her family.
“Balance is all what you do with it and how you prioritize it,” she said.
One of Tracey’s most memorable calls was when she helped rescue a woman from her vehicle after a flood on the road. The woman was stranded in her vehicle and getting her to safety is something that will always stick with Tracey.
“I would encourage anyone to enhance their lives by thinking about how they can help other people in any way,” she said.
To learn more about how you can volunteer with the Toms River Fire Department visit, www.trfire.org.