President Klingenberger * Lou Comenale III * Lou Comenale Jr. * Chief Harrington

There is heroism in his genes

Lou Comenale III, a third-generation firefighter, is the recipient of

the Gates-Chili Fire Department’s annual $1,000 scholarship.

By CHRISTINE CARRIE FIEN

Messenger Post Staff

Lou Comenale III practically grew up inside Gates fire houses – hanging out with the guys, coming to family events like the yearly breakfast with Santa. He loved it. And he didn’t.

“I would get mad at my dad for leaving during the day for fire calls,” he said. “I was little. I didn’t understand what he was doing.” But as he grew, Comenale not only began to understand his father’s passion – he came to share it. “I have tried to explain it to my friends, but they cannot understand without actually doing it,” he said. “Waking up at anytime of night or responding during the day to come to the aid of a complete stranger is a feeling indescribable.” Comenale, 22, has been a Gates volunteer firefighter for about a year. He is a third-generation volunteer, following his father and grandfather. Comenale is also the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the Gates-Chili Fire Department. He is studying fire protection technology at Monroe Community College. He hopes to one day become a paid, career firefighter.

Winning the scholarship is “a weight off my shoulders,” he said. “I need the money,” he said. “Books are getting more expensive every year.” There were five applicants for the scholarship. Each applicant submits a package that includes a resume, college transcripts, letters of recommendation and an essay. “His essay was very well written,” said Glenn Klingenberger, president of the Gates- Chili Fire Department. “His individual essay was outstanding. His activity in the fire department is outstanding.” Bill Gillette, head of the Gates Board of Fire Commissioners, said Comenale is a “tremendous asset” to the department. In his two-page essay, Comenale talks about the sense of achievement and accomplishment he gets from firefighting. It has improved his social skills, he wrote, and prepared him for life’s hard knocks. “I am ready for anything the world could (throw) at me,” he wrote. “...The real reason I want to become a firefighter is to improve the quality of life for others. If I can affect someone’s life in a positive way, then I feel my job is done.” Comenale’s father, Lou Comenale Jr., left active duty in 1991, but came back in 2005 at his son’s request. “It took a little persuasive talking,” the younger Comenale said. “I knew he wanted to do it.” Comenale III wanted his father back on board so they could share the same kind of bonding experience that Comenale Jr. did with his dad. Lou Comenale Sr. left active duty in the late 1980s. “It’s neat with him. Getting on trucks with him, riding with him...” Lou Comenale III said. “Technology and other things have changed since he’s been here, so I’m teaching him and he’s still teaching me.”