Fire chief follows family tradition

Editor's note: This is the eighth story in a weekly series about figures in the State College community. This story focuses on Shawn Kauffman, Alpha Fire Co. chief.

When Champs Sports Bar & Grill, 1611 N. Atherton St., burned down in 1993, Shawn Kauffman said he remembers stepping outside of the building to get more help when the roof collapsed -- and some firefighters were left inside.

"It was horrifying. It was a moment in my life when I thought seven of my best friends were going to die," said Kauffman, Alpha Fire Co. chief. "Luckily they didn't."

The times when the fire company is able to help the community in such a crisis outweigh the times when they are unable to help, he said.

"Being able to help people out in a crisis is rewarding," he said.

Born and raised in State College, Kauffman is following in the footsteps of his father.

"I literally grew up in the fire station," he said, adding that his father was fire chief from 1988 to 1991.

Kauffman has been volunteering for Alpha Fire Co., 400 W. Beaver Ave., for 10 years. Before that, he volunteered for two years at the Boalsburg Fire Company.

Starting as a junior firefighter in 1986, Kauffman worked his way from entry-level firefighter, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief to his position as commander.

As chief, Kauffman is responsible for the supervision and training of personnel and the efficient and effective operation of the company at fires and other emergencies, according to the file of company position responsibilities at Alpha Fire Co.

His duties include responding to alarms, evaluating emergency service programs, making sure the procedures of the company are being followed, and reviewing plans and specifications for new construction to ensure adequate access and water supply, according to the responsibilities file.

Additional requirements include two years as an assistant fire chief and being a state-certified firefighter.

Kauffman plans on being involved with the fire company for a while.

"As long as I'm in this area, I'll probably always be involved," said Kauffman, who has at least has five more years until his term as fire chief is completed.

Being fire chief requires more time than his previous positions, but it is just as enjoyable, Kauffman said.

Kauffman's work as fire chief is 100 percent volunteer, he said, and he completes about 200 hours of community service each year.

Kauffman also works as the 911 dispatcher for the Centre County Emergency Communications Center.

Volunteering about 10 to 20 hours a week forces Kauffman to balance work and family life.

"Fortunately my family is very understanding if I miss dinner or something," he said, referring to his wife, Erin, and their two children, Melanie, 5, and Michael, 2.

Kauffman said he strongly supports volunteer service, believing society needs more people to volunteer in their communities.