As a volunteer at the SSVFD since age 16, Brendan Bonita has tirelessly dedicated himself to learning the ins and outs of fire-rescue and emergency medical services.

Currently serving as a Deputy Chief, Bonita went through extensive training to become prepared to help the community in times of need.

Becoming involved in the Fire Department is something he has aspired to do since he was younger.

“I’ve always been told in life to help people and make your dreams come true, so I did just that.  It was a lot of hard work, but it was definitely worth it,” Bonita said.

A lifelong resident of Olney, he graduated from Sherwood High School in 2008 and in 2o12 graduated from Towson University with a Bachelors degree in Sociology and Anthropology.

As Deputy Chief, he is in charge of supervising his duty crew and other personnel throughout the station and organizing on-site training for firefighters.  He ensures that firefighters are prepared to respond to a variety of scenarios because no call is the same. There is always a twist to emergencies they encounter.

Although his position brings challenges in terms of being in charge of a crew who’s lives he is responsible for, Bonita explained it is “rewarding to be able to work my way up from the bottom to my current position and serve my community.”

Bonita is one of a team of 100 volunteer firefighters, EMT’s, and Auxiliary members who serve the Greater Sandy Spring community.