David Phillips, a senior at Abington Senior High School, is in his second year of the Protective Services program at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN). He comes from a long line of firefighters, and his commitment to community service runs deep.

David has been a junior member of the Roslyn Fire Company for four years, joining shortly after his 14th birthday. “I grew up there,” David said. “My uncle and grandfather are part of the company, and my dad is a member of McKinley in Abington. My mom was the company photographer who took photos at the scene.”

David chose the Protective Services program at EASTERN to expand his knowledge across multiple fields, including firefighting, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. “Understanding all aspects of the protective services field will be invaluable in my future,” he said. “Knowing the roles that police officers and EMTs play at the scene is crucial to being an effective firefighter.”

With aspirations of becoming a career firefighter, David says his experience at Roslyn has been vital. He enjoys the many community outreach activities he participates in with the Roslyn Fire Company, and his favorite is teaching elementary school students about fire prevention—how to stay safe in the event of a fire and how to safely exit their homes. “I remember firefighters coming to my school and teaching my class about fire prevention and safety, and now I am the one teaching them. It’s amazing.”

As a junior member of the fire company, David assists on fire calls and supports numerous community events. He helps with birthday parades, Roslyn Community Day, and the Roslyn Car Show, where the company brings out the fire trucks for families to explore. These experiences have given him a deeper connection to his community and strengthened his passion for the fire service.

At Abington Senior High School, David is an active member of the First Responders Club. As a junior firefighter, he helps coordinate the school’s annual mock crash event, designed to educate seniors about the dangers of drinking and driving. The event features a simulated crash, firefighters and medical personnel responding on the scene, a mock funeral, and the conclusion of a mock trial—all carefully staged to make a lasting impact and drive the message home.

On December 4, David proudly earned his Firefighter 1 certification, a major milestone in his firefighting journey. After graduating from EASTERN and Abington Senior High School, he plans to continue serving his community by working part-time with the Upper Moreland Fire Department while completing the additional certifications required to pursue a career in firefighting, including Firefighter 2, Vehicle Rescue Technician, and Emergency Vehicle Operator.

 His dedication and hands-on experience are preparing him for a future of service and leadership in the fire service.