Centre Hall Volunteer Fire Company

05/13/2026

Our midweek First Responder Spotlight shines on another one of our members who serves a dual role in the first responder world.

First Responder Spotlight #5
Ryleigh Tice
Firefighter/EMT

Ryleigh Tice, also known as Ry, serves as an EMT/EMSVO with FAME Emergency Medical Services, LLC and has been in emergency services for three years. Inspired by her mom, a registered nurse of more than 21 years, Ryleigh knew she wanted a career where she could help people while also experiencing the adrenaline that comes with emergency response. She got her start through Emergency Services at CPI and has continued to grow in both EMS and firefighting, hoping to always keep both as part of her life. What keeps her motivated is knowing that no two calls are ever exactly the same, along with the support of the amazing crew she works beside every day.

For Ryleigh, the most rewarding part of being a first responder is being able to help people on what may be the worst day of their lives. One of her most memorable calls involved a report of a possible drowning. After arriving before the ambulance, Ryleigh jumped over a guardrail, climbed down rocks, brush, and trees, only to discover the “body” was actually a pool floaty. Thankfully, no one was in danger, and the child who called 911 was reassured that he had done the right thing. Since then, Ryleigh has earned the nickname “Mountain Goat” from her crew.

Outside of EMS, Ryleigh enjoys crocheting, spending time with her three Aussies, paddleboarding, camping, hunting, and riding ATVs. Her go-to after-call meal is pizza from Gus’s Pizza Shop, her favorite piece of equipment is the stair chair, and her drink of choice is a Coconut Red Bull. When she has a difficult call or a stressful day, she turns to her mom, who understands the challenges of the job.

Ryleigh’s advice to anyone considering becoming a first responder is to do it for the love and passion of helping people. She reminds others that the job can be mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging, and that it is important to talk about difficult calls and lean on your crew. She also wishes the community understood that EMS organizations like FAME rely on community support, paid ambulance bills, fundraising, and donations to update equipment, pay staff, and continue education.

Thank You, Ryleigh, for being a part of Centre Hall Fire Company!

05/11/2026

First Responder Spotlight #4: Monty “Richard” Strouse
CHFC Vice-President & Firefighter

Monty “Richard” Strouse serves as Vice President of the Centre Hall Fire Company and brings an incredible 60 years of service to the fire service. His journey began at just 18 years old when he joined Lamar Fire Company, inspired in part by a devastating house fire involving his aunt and uncle. That experience left a lasting impression and helped shape his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Throughout his decades of service, Monty has remained motivated by a simple but powerful purpose—helping people in their time of need. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand the impact fire can have on communities, including entire city blocks, which further fueled his dedication to the fire service.

What Monty values most about being a first responder is the strong sense of friendship and camaraderie among fellow firefighters. He finds great reward in seeing people smile and wave in appreciation, whether during a parade or after returning from a difficult call. One particularly memorable experience involved responding to a fire with reported entrapment. Despite heavy smoke and dangerous conditions, he and his crew pushed forward, navigating through the structure until they located the victim—a moment that underscores the bravery and determination required in this line of work.

Outside of the firehouse, Monty enjoys spending time at camp, especially relaxing around a campfire. His go-to meal after a call is fried potatoes, sausage, and stewed tomatoes, and he prefers coffee to keep him going. When it comes to unwinding, you’ll likely find him taking a walk in the mountains.

For those considering becoming a first responder, Monty offers straightforward advice: get all the training you can and stay safe. He also hopes the community understands the real dangers and stress firefighters face, especially after difficult calls.

Monty Strouse’s 60 years of dedication stand as a testament to true service, commitment, and community pride.

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

Going on now at the Centre Hall Fire Company..Lori Hess Auctioneering G$n Sale for the late Jim Martin of Coburn!!
134 North Witmer Ave..

05/08/2026

First Responder Spotlight #3:
Rodney “Rod” M. Brungart
CHFC President

Centre Hall Fire Company is proud to recognize Rodney “Rod” Brungart, President and Firefighter.

Rod has served 20 years with Centre Hall Fire Company and is celebrating his 48th year in the fire service on April 23rd. He began his journey at just 17 years old with Gregg Township Fire Company, driven by a simple but powerful goal: helping the community.

When asked what keeps him motivated after all these years, Rod’s answer is clear: the continued desire to help the community and communities around us.

One of the things Rod enjoys most about being a first responder is the people. For him, the most rewarding part of the job is knowing he was able to help someone in their time of need.

Over the years, Rod has experienced moments that have stayed with him forever. One especially impactful call happened in 1998 while serving as an Assistant Chief with Miles Township. Responding as the first engine on scene to a cabin fire on Madisonburg Mountain, what began as a fire response became a tragic and unforgettable event. It is a memory that remains deeply with him and serves as a reminder of the weight first responders often carry.

When asked about the challenges of the job, Rod added with a smile, “Keeping all of the members in line… Lol.” But beneath the humor is a lifetime of leadership and perspective. As Rod says:

“If you are here for yourself, you are here for all the wrong reasons. It’s about the people you protect and serve in their time of need.”

Outside of the fire company, Rod enjoys singing with the Penns Valley Men’s Chorus, where he has been involved for 25 years, including the last 12 years as Manager. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and campfires.

A few fun facts about Rod:
☕ Coffee or energy drinks? Coffee, yes. Energy drinks, never.
🍽️ Favorite meal after a call? A bag of BBQ chips and a bottle of water
🚒 Favorite piece of equipment? Engine 4, by far
❤️ Go-to stress reliever? His fiancée, Lori
📺 Favorite TV show? Fire Country

For anyone thinking about becoming a first responder, Rod offers this advice:

“You have to want to help the community. It takes a lot of time and dedication, but the feeling you get when you know you helped someone for the good is so satisfying.”

And when it comes to what he wishes the community knew most, Rod makes it clear that the work is never about one person:

“It’s never ever about me. It’s ALL about my members who strive at each event to make Centre Hall Fire Company what it is today. I always tell people, ‘I have the best members anyone could ever ask for,’ and I appreciate them all very, very much.”

Thank you, Rod, for your decades of dedication, leadership, and service to Centre Hall Fire Company and the surrounding communities. We are grateful for all you do.

05/08/2026

Get your chances while they are still available!!!!

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcentre-hall-fire-company.square.site%2Fs%2Forder%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcHYzOUF6ZnlaQzVjYjhJRHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5to5OTJNQ6ybaltGVdbEFA3wNdWInXdpf85X3I2Oag3TwxHX-_Gxsk3X3vJw_aem_1IlVBED5U2mbuSDQCz6X0Q%26utm_id%3D97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0dy9l411&h=AUDb93uj-93nnkrv0ADGtOqlyhRAmIAesfwukzgbVa2R4JGRgrwbPJjjW7HdYIYUctCRjc2zpOcJrIy6G-57HSVbngnaNoOEWITteIjcYJFK4ZI-MraQujMWB56v8rBHyxuqTMvGQVbJ20zIrQ2KaoKWhgvobF26-yrHgr9uP9a0Hm2BnAZNqbmDE4WnkeNU9JI2afACMN6CJquGhzGiBP4fEMHIHYaMCh0pPbQUVK618zjgdbRDy0mjLcG1Y7EzKS45V7clb_m3AzVq8bmhk-PxgsWBQG3Verb80tiWDBhq0Q&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AUA77UGb9T7o8NdvwU-DmsZoBH7tjEWJfQa6-jON3Ubc1yhwCBgKIUi7KQl-M_WAYbsmtOcLIb1aevurxXb1njHZ1Ow08_o_i9gnZNaTMnhllkSRuJNSDCf6B2x583tcXTY_new4WQcMis9Q30izeJt3TM90ko0d_ZIxNPQiP0WrbG92rxmPWwJ7R2EbPfxdXg-jOWmqhcx8U4G017jKlG3SGQ

05/07/2026

Only one hour left and it’s POWER HOUR !!!!

Today until 8pm! We appreciate any and all support!

Power Hours are today from noon to 1pm and 7-8pm. Donations during those times have an increased possibility of earning more support for our organization!

https://centregives.org/organizations/302-centre-hall-fire-company?fbclid=IwRlRTSARoBYdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeOrFPetQm0uOOqjkQfa5eTArFpdwx-hs8sK_bgyaPeQvJnJmF7dRJu1DYXik_aem_SFY3a74VIGfXI9zwR1esgQ.

05/07/2026

Tickets for the G*n Raffle are still available. See a fireman or stop by the station Monday night for tickets. Lots of great prizes, food, drinks, and much more available at the event.

05/07/2026

Today until 8pm! We appreciate any and all support!

Power Hours are today from noon to 1pm and 7-8pm. Donations during those times have an increased possibility of earning more support for our organization!

https://centregives.org/organizations/302-centre-hall-fire-company?fbclid=IwRlRTSARoBYdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeOrFPetQm0uOOqjkQfa5eTArFpdwx-hs8sK_bgyaPeQvJnJmF7dRJu1DYXik_aem_SFY3a74VIGfXI9zwR1esgQ.

05/06/2026

Today's First Responder Spotlight shines on one of our members who serves a dual role in the first responder world.

First Responder Spotlight #2
Chris Hockenberry
Trustee

Chris “Hocky” Hockenberry has dedicated 14 years of service as a Paramedic and EMS Manager with Mount Nittany Health EMS. His journey into emergency services began early, as he was raised around the profession with his father and other relatives involved. At just 16 years old, Chris took an Emergency Medical Responder class and joined Centre Hall Potter Ambulance as a driver. By 18, he became an EMT, eventually growing into his role as a paramedic.

For Chris, one of the things that keeps him motivated is knowing that no two EMS calls are ever the same. When someone calls for help, he takes pride in having the tools, knowledge, and training to assist them. He enjoys the connections made with coworkers and patients, often meeting interesting people along the way. One of the most rewarding parts of the job, he says, is hearing people’s stories and learning from every rescue, technique, and patient-care experience.

A memorable part of his service has been sharing calls with the “trio of Hockenberrys” on one rig, followed by shop talk and stories from years past. Like many in emergency services, Chris recognizes the challenges of staffing shortages and bridging the generational gap. His role has also given him a deeper appreciation for life, reminding him that tomorrow is never promised.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys firetrucks, browsing them whenever he can, taking a nice drive to relax, and spending time with his “M girls” — his wife and kids. His favorite movie is Backdraft, and his favorite piece of equipment is rescue tools paired with an old car. His advice to anyone considering becoming a first responder is simple: “DO IT. The knowledge that you will gain is valuable.” He also hopes the community understands that there are many ways to serve beyond simply responding to calls.