For nearly four decades, local dispatcher and first responder Jim Fairweather has been keeping a watchful eye on the community, according to a report from The Phoenix Reporter & Item.

Fairweather started as a volunteer firefighter in 1973 when he was just 15 years old. Soon after, he volunteered his time with various volunteer fire companies and EMS. Several years later, he became an emergency dispatcher, answering calls for help for 38 years.

“It seemed like something I wanted to try and it stuck,” he said. “I had been working as an EMT driver for Good Fellowship Ambulance for four years as a volunteer and was looking for something different to do.”

Now, Fairweather, 62, works at the government services center in West Goshen Township. His job is to send emergency units to 911 calls, track their status, and send backup if required. He also volunteers as West Bradford Fire Company’s deputy chief.

The main advice he gives everybody calling 911 is to stay calm.

“We have to know what you need from us in order for us to send the help you need,” he said.

Read more about Jim Fairweather in The Phoenix Reporter & Item here.