“First Responder of the Year” is Andrew Duncan

The Boyertown Area Citizen of the Year Committee is pleased to announce the 67th First Responder of the Year, Andrew Duncan.

Andrew Duncan has been the Chief of Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue for over a year now. His 18 years with the fire company has given him the experience and leadership skills to work with a dedicated group of volunteers. The current pandemic has prompted new training procedures to ensure that the team is trained well and safely. He secured appropriate PPE to ensure his crew’s safety and converted to Zoom meetings when they were unable to meet in person. He encouraged his crew to bring new ideas to the company, which inspired the creation and implementation of both a Junior and Explorer Fire Fighting program. He began a rotation of the Chief’s vehicle with his line officers, giving them leadership experience. He worked to secure funding to enable the construction of a new firehouse in 2021 and support fire and rescue operations in the future. He recently coordinated efforts to help a firefighter family recover after losing their home to a fire. Andy has helped to organize and implement safe fundraising ventures since the main source of funding (Bingo) had to close during the pandemic.

Andy is described as someone who does not use his “Chief” position for power, but uses it as an opportunity to lead, teach, learn, and grow as a person. He strives to make every member of the company feel appreciated, equal, valued, and as if their voice matters.

Andy lives in Gilbertsville with his wife Megan and children Cole (17), Julia (14), and Bailey (14)