One York County fire department has generations of moms and families to celebrate on Motherâs Day, not to mention the traditions theyâve passed down.
Three generations of Micki Rifeâs family have worked in the West Manchester Township Fire Department, going back decades. She said firefighting is in their blood.
âIt is kind of like a family business,â she said. Many firefighters say the firehouse is an extended family, but for Micki, it really is.
âMy uncle originally was the first one that joined the fire department,â she said. Mickiâs dad followed, eventually serving as chief. Her mom and aunt joined the social committee, helping run fundraisers and other community events.
âI made a lot of lifelong friends,â Mickiâs aunt Barbara Irwin said.
At 14, Micki took her place as a junior firefighter.
âI do remember my first fire when I turned 16, it was a barn fire,â she said.