Heroes On and Off the Field: Football and Firefighting Unite at Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland High Schools
By: Doug Noldy | Sportzwire | October 16, 2024 | Photo courtesy Doug Noldy
Heroes On and Off the Field: Football and Firefighting Unite at Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland High Schools
At Lackawanna Trail High School, football is more than a sport; it’s a way of life. The Lions are currently sitting at 7-1, charging through the season with their sights set on a fourth consecutive district championship and yet another deep run in the state playoffs. The team’s success isn’t just the result of athleticism but of discipline, teamwork, and a strong bond between players. It’s a bond that extends beyond the football field and into a realm of community service that few high school athletes ever experience: firefighting.
For Lackawanna Trail football players Bubba Gow, Logan Edwards, Timmy Richmond, Colby Stanton, and Aaden Cobb, the firehouse is as familiar as the football field. For some, firefighting runs in the family. For others, it’s an opportunity to give back to the community that’s supported them throughout their lives. Either way, these young men have found a way to balance the heavy responsibilities of school, football, and firefighting—a feat that sets them apart as true local heroes.
Firefighting: A Family Tradition
For senior offensive tackle and nose guard Bubba Gow, firefighting is practically in his DNA. Bubba has been a member of the Factoryville Fire Company #9 for four years, following in the footsteps of his father, Brian Gow, who serves as the fire chief. Bubba’s grandfather, affectionately known as “Rooster,” was also a firefighter, and his name is proudly emblazoned on the side of the fire company’s rescue truck. For Bubba, firefighting is more than a duty; it’s a family tradition, and his involvement in the firehouse has shaped his sense of responsibility both on and off the football field.
Sophomore Colby Stanton, a running back and outside linebacker for Lackawanna Trail, shares a similar story. Colby is a fourth-generation firefighter, carrying on a legacy of service that’s been passed down through his family for decades, Colbys father currently serves as an officer in the Dunmore Fire Department. Colby’s two years of experience at the firehouse have instilled in him a deep sense of pride in both his family’s history and his own role in serving the community. Like Bubba, Colby knows that his role as a volunteer firefighter isn’t just about putting out fires—it’s about being a part of something larger than himself.
Timmy Richmond, another sophomore on the Lions’ roster, has only been involved with firefighting for a year, but he’s already expressed a desire to make it his career. Timmy volunteers with the Dalton Fire Company, and firefighting runs in his blood. For Timmy, the skills he’s learned as a football player—discipline, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—have translated seamlessly into his role at the firehouse.
Curiosity and a Call to Serve
Not all of the Lackawanna Trail football players come from firefighting families. Sophomore wide receiver and defensive back Aaden Cobb, for example, was drawn to firefighting out of pure curiosity. Living near the firehouse, Aaden couldn’t help but be intrigued by the sound of the fire whistle blaring through the neighborhood. That curiosity eventually led him to join the fire company, and he’s now a dedicated member with a year of experience under his belt. For Aaden, firefighting is an opportunity to serve the community in a way that few of his peers can understand.
Senior fullback and linebacker Logan Edwards, who serves with both the Factoryville and Fleetville fire companies, joined the firefighting ranks because of his strong desire to give back. For Logan, firefighting is about community—it’s about being there when people need you most. Whether it’s a family in crisis or a neighbor in need, Logan knows that his role as a firefighter gives him the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. Like his teammates, Logan has learned that football and firefighting share many of the same qualities: teamwork, trust, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Responding to the Call: The True Meaning of Community
The players’ dedication to firefighting has been tested in real-life emergencies, and two significant fires in recent years have demonstrated the power of community support in the face of tragedy. In September 2021, a devastating fire at the Johnson family farm in Benton Township resulted in the loss of 100 cows. The Johnsons, well-known and respected in the Lackawanna Trail community, are staunch supporters of the football team, and their loss was felt deeply by the players and the community alike. But in true Lackawanna Trail fashion, the community rallied around the Johnsons, helping them rebuild and get back to doing what they love: farming.
More recently, in May 2023, a fire destroyed Gins, a beloved local landmark where many of the Lackawanna Trail football players had shared countless meals and made countless memories. The loss of Gins was personal for these young men, as they knew the owners well and had spent years enjoying the warm, welcoming atmosphere the restaurant offered. Once again, the community came together to support the owners, and Gins is now in the process of being rebuilt, with plans to reopen soon. For players like Bubba, Logan, and Colby, responding to these fires wasn’t just about fighting flames—it was about protecting the heart of their community.
Balancing Priorities: School, Football, and Firefighting
Despite their heavy responsibilities, the Lackawanna Trail players have managed to maintain a clear sense of priorities. School comes first, football second, and firefighting third. It’s a delicate balance, but one that these young men have mastered. Their dedication was on full display recently when they combined their firefighting duties with an educational exhibit at Lackawanna Trail High School. The players taught their classmates and teammates about fire safety and prevention, demonstrating techniques like “stop, drop, and roll,” and showcasing their firefighting gear, trucks, and tools. Colby, Logan, Aaden, and Timmy even showed off the custom artwork on their fireman helmet shields—artwork proudly designed by Bubba, who has a natural artistic talent.
Lakeland’s Firefighter on the Field
Just a few miles away at Lakeland High School, senior Ethan Kilmer is also balancing football and firefighting. Ethan, a standout center and defensive tackle for the Chiefs, volunteers with the Artisan Fire Company in Jermyn and William Walker Fire Company in Mayfield. Like his counterparts at Lackawanna Trail, Ethan comes from a family of firefighters—his father, Mark Kilmer, has served for over 17 years and is a lieutenant at the firehouse. Inspired by his father’s example, Ethan has dedicated himself to both football and firefighting, and he’s currently enrolled in the demanding 160-hour Firefighter I certification course alongside Bubba Gow and Logan Edwards.
Ethan’s involvement in the fire department doesn’t stop at responding to emergencies. He also participates in educational programs at Lakeland, such as the annual mock car crash during prom season. This event, designed to teach students the importance of safe driving, has become a staple at Lakeland, and Ethan plays a key role in demonstrating the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of wearing seatbelts. His teammates have even given him the nickname “Fire Hose” in recognition of his dedication to firefighting.
A Bond Beyond the Field
For all these young men—whether at Lackawanna Trail or Lakeland—the bond they share as both football players and firefighters is something special. Football fosters a sense of camaraderie, and that same spirit carries over into the firehouse. Whether it’s in the locker room or on the scene of a fire, these athletes trust and rely on each other to get the job done. As Colby Stanton said, “You rely on each other to get the job done—no finger-pointing, just getting it done together.”
The physical and mental toughness they’ve developed on the field helps them in their roles as firefighters. The fireman’s gear alone weighs close to 100 pounds, and responding to a call can be physically exhausting. From charging hoses to throwing ladders, these players know that their football training has prepared them for the demands of firefighting. The teamwork they’ve learned on the field is vital when they’re responding to emergencies where lives are on the line.
The Adrenaline Rush of Firefighting
When asked what gives them the biggest adrenaline rush—facing a tough opponent on the football field or responding to a fire call—the answer is unanimous: firefighting. The rush of racing to the station, putting on their gear, and heading into a potentially life-or-death situation is unmatched. It’s physically and mentally demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. For these young men, the opportunity to serve their community in such a significant way is a privilege, and they take that responsibility seriously.
Looking to the Future
As these student-athletes look toward the future, many of them are considering firefighting as a career. Timmy Richmond and Ethan Kilmer have both expressed interest in pursuing firefighting professionally, while Bubba Gow and Logan Edwards plan to stay involved in their local fire companies even after their football careers come to an end. No matter what path they choose, one thing is clear: these young men are heroes on and off the field.
At Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland, these football players have shown that it’s possible to excel in multiple arenas while giving back to the community that has supported them. Whether they’re tackling opponents under the Friday night lights or battling flames in the middle of the night, they embody the values of service, teamwork, and dedication. Their legacy as both athletes and firefighters will inspire future generations to step into roles of leadership and service, continuing the tradition of excellence both on and off the field.
The communities of Lackawanna Trail and Lakeland can take pride in knowing that their football teams aren’t just producing great athletes—they’re raising young men who are dedicated to making a difference. Whether in the heat of a tough game or in the heart of a fire, these players stand ready to serve, exemplifying courage, resilience, and selflessness.
As they prepare to move forward—some to continue their firefighting careers, others to pursue new opportunities—they leave behind an enduring legacy. These young men have shown that, with commitment and teamwork, it’s possible to juggle the demanding roles of student, athlete, and volunteer firefighter. Their contributions to both their teams and their communities will be remembered for years to come, and they’ve set a powerful example for others to follow.
In the end, football is just one part of who they are. The dedication and service these players have shown as volunteer firefighters prove that they are far more than athletes—they are heroes, ready to answer the call when their community needs them most.
