Imagine your pager going off at 3 a.m. You are awakened from a deep sleep. There is a car accident on I-90, mile marker 148. Injuries unknown.

Gary Newman has had many wake-up-and-go-calls in the middle of the night. He has been a volunteer firefighter for the Alden-Conger Fire Department for 24 years. Seven years ago, Newman became the department fire chief. He is responsible for all of the firefighters. He documents and monitors their training, takes care of all the paperwork and makes sure all equipment is maintained and functional.

Firefighters face a challenge each and every time they leave their house on the job.

&uot;I wanted to belong to an organization that was set up to help people in time of need, be it a fire, an accident or a disaster,&uot; he said.

Newman resides in Alden with his family.

To volunteer for the Alden Fire Department, call (507) 874-3620.