Chuck Perry Marks 60 Years of Volunteer Fire Service After Military Rejection

A hearing impairment prevented Chuck Perry from serving in the Vietnam War, but a change in local hiring rules allowed him to serve his community for six decades. Perry, 79, was rejected after failing hearing tests three or four times, leaving him to watch school friends return wounded or not at all. He sought another way to contribute and found the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company, which possessed the only ambulance in Shaler at the time.

Joining was not immediately possible because the company restricted membership to those under 21. After realizing that aging members needed younger recruits, officials lowered the age limit to 18 after a one-year deliberation. In 1966, the same year Perry graduated high school, he and two others, David Potts and Jerome Korbet, became the first members under the new age cap. Perry has remained with the company ever since.

Shaler commissioners recognized Perry's 60 years of service during their Oct. 13 meeting, presenting him with a certificate. Commissioner Conrad Wagner congratulated Perry, noting their long acquaintance. Commissioner William Cross also acknowledged Perry's work with the Girty’s Run Joint Sewer Authority and township emergency medical services. Perry received a standing ovation during the session.

Perry expressed gratitude for the support from commissioners, the community, and company managers over the years. He described his role as easy to maintain, noting that Undercliff has always been a top fire company. The fire company also honored him in October with a special jacket and a glass plaque marking the anniversary.

CJ Gerardi, the 34-year-old chief who has served for about a year, stated that Perry is a mentor and asset to the department. Gerardi, who started as a junior firefighter at age 14, said Perry reminds him of his grandfather. Perry has served in various ranks, including lieutenant, captain, and the company's first assistant chief. He served as chief for three years in the late 1970s.

Perry retired from active firefighting in 2013 after suffering a stroke three months later. He no longer wears firefighting gear but continues to assist with committees and truck repairs. He credited his wife Joyce, his son Chuck, and his granddaughter Morgan for their support. Perry also owned Grob Service, a repair garage for 48 years, until Hurricane Ivan flooded the shop in 2004. He later worked as a mechanic for Wagner Service in Hampton.

Perry joined the department partly due to his love of machinery and fire trucks. He noted that current members work harder and must be smarter than those from his era. He believes he is fortunate that younger members accept his guidance despite the age gap. Potts died in September 2023 at age 77, and Korbet died in September at age 79.