ROYAL CITY - Del Boyce volunteered with Grant County Fire District No. 10 a year and nine months ago, shortly after an incident that reminded him of the need for volunteers.

"Two years ago I was first on the scene of a motor vehicle accident," he said. "One of the children involved was not breathing. When I started CPR, I realized it had been too long since I had a CPR class. I found out later that the child had a broken neck and there was nothing anyone could have done to save her."

Boyce took a first aid class soon after, which reviewed for him the correct CPR procedures.

"There were six of us in the class," he said. "I realized that the first aid class was not enough. I still felt unprepared for another emergency situation."

About that time Boyce noticed the sign on the Fire District 10 station in Royal City. It said: Volunteers needed.

"I talked it over with my wife and realized that there was no reason not to volunteer," Boyce said.

"I really enjoy the fire department, learning the correct procedures, and also the camaraderie with the other firefighters," he added. "With the training I learned to act calmly in a stressful situation. I arrive on the scene of a fire call and know what to do."

Boyce noted the training is two evenings a month. Then the emergency services specialists respond when available.

"I am an independent well driller. So I am not even in the district some days," Boyce said. "I joined the fire department at age 55. I thought most of the firefighters would be younger, but I found that I am just average age for the group. They will take anyone who is fit no matter what their age is."

"I'm disappointed when I have to miss a call," Boyce continued. "I know I'm doing something of service when I respond."

Boyce is native to Quincy and moved to the Royal Slope from Wenatchee seven or eight years ago. Commenting about interesting calls, he said it's hard to believe some of the things people do. He also commented on the timeliness of some trainings.

"One night we trained on the use of the breathing apparatus for use in a smoky fire situation," he said. "The next morning at 5 a.m. we had a structure fire call and got to use what we had learned the night before on a live fire call."

Boyce is still waiting for an EMT (emergency medical technician) class that will fit his work schedule.

"It was the desire for emergency medical training that prompted me to volunteer in the first place," he recalled.

"I want the community to know that we are more than happy to serve them," he added. "But we are all volunteers. We are giving our time when we respond to a fire call."