Medford man honored by state fire group

For Brian Greck, his volunteer work with Medford kids is simply “doing what needs to be done.”

It’s the same kind of service-oriented mentality that has driven Greck, 59, to spend the past eight years as a volunteer firefighter with the Medford Fire Department, where he is a fire police lieutenant.

Last week the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York honored Greck for his service to Medford with the Fire Service Community Achievement Award.

“I still can’t believe it,” Greck, who works in heating and air conditioning, said in a phone interview Tuesday. “I just do it because I enjoy doing it.”

The state organization made special note of his work with the fire department’s junior program, for children under 18 who are interested in firefighting. Greck is the adviser and coach for the junior racing team, which competes in competitions involving hose, ladder and cart maneuvers.

He also hosts a bowl-a-thon fundraiser with the juniors.

“Greck has always put the juniors first — whether it’s helping them become active members of the fire department, holding special meetings with the Suffolk County Police Department regarding gang awareness or having them assist and support all Medford Fire Department functions,” the state organization said in a news release.

Greck is also a member of the Oregon Middle School Fathers’ Club, which has built ballfield dugouts and helps construct sets for school plays.