Lisa Giles has been in the medical field for 20 years and has known her whole life that she wanted to be in a position to give back to her community. But it wasn’t until two years ago that she officially became a volunteer firefighter at the Potters Station Volunteer Fire Department.

“I’ve always had a love of following the first responders, and I’ve always loved the medical field,” Giles said. “I was asked to join the department, and I guess God said it’s time. I did. and it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s a way for me to give back to the community.”

Giles works full time with Dr. David Hodo and spends her spare time learning new skills and getting training for being a first responder.

“I am in the psychiatric field, and I’ve been in the medical field for the last 20 years. I really enjoy getting to work with people and help people in a time of need,” Giles said. “I’ve always loved firefighters and the fire department, medical field, paramedics. I’ve just always been a medical type junkie and wanting to be someone that can help.”

Giles is married to Matthew, and they have two children, Marissa and Charles, all of which have become interested in doing their part for the community.

“My husband is also a volunteer firefighter, and we’re doing this together,” Giles said. “We’re making it a family affair. It’s great.”

Giles said it’s a wonderful feeling to know that her children are also interested in helping out and working with the department.

“It’s being together, it’s doing something good for the family, for the community, and to me it’s just really a godly thing to reach out and love thy neighbor and help thy neighbor,” Giles said. “It is more than rewarding. I cannot express words that tell me the joy that I have when my kids say ‘Hey mom, I want to go to the scene, I want to help out.’ I love it.”

Giles said that although situations can be hard, going to a fire or working a wreck, she is happy to be there to help and comfort those that need it the most in that moment.

“What I enjoy most, is being able to comfort and help people that are going through some of the worst moment of their life,” Giles said.

“It’s really rewarding and it’s something that I absolutely love to do to help someone in need and give back to the community.”