Brothers helping brothers. It’s nothing new in the fire service. Men and women form a close bond when they work 24 hour shifts, many becoming more like family.

“I enjoyed and loved that work,” said Retired Captain Glenn Williams with the Panama City Fire Department. “Best group of people you’ll ever wanna meet.”

Captain Glenn Williams retired from the department in 1984 after 30 years of service. He doesn’t get around as easily as he used to. Thanks to his extended “fire” family, he’s able to move a little better.

“They already gave me a new front foor and a ramp out front,” said Williams.

Now this house he’s called home for 65 years will be a lot safer to live in with their help once again.

“The hurricane ruined my house, roof off my house, backdoor,” said Williams. “Fellow firemen are here to fix it for me.”

Retired Lt. Charles Willis with the Panama City Fire Department, worked with Williams for 10 years at PCFD. 

“He was my first fire captain, when I came to work in 1974,” said Willis.

Willis called on fellow firemen, both retired and current, to help replace Williams’ roof, which started leaking after the storm.

On a cold January day, a few retired firemen, along with some firemen on shift assisting in between calls got to work with giving Williams’ a new roof. Lt. Deric Darsey also showed up to help on his day off.

“I just don’t have the right words for it,” said Williams. “I just appreciate it so much, I just love these guys.”