COMM U N I T Y
That interest in lending a hand to others initially led him to earning an associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College and to working as a physical therapist assistant. It also impacted his decision to become a fireman. After working four years at a clinic, he realized he didn’t want to keep having the same routine day in and day out. Roney had thought about being a fireman for years, but was under the impression that recruit academy was similar to basic training in the military, which would require him to be away from his family for several weeks. Once he realized that was not the case, he became more interested and spoke to a friend who was part of a volunteer fire department in Newcastle. After that chat, Roney made the decision. 20 | March 2020
Service Spotlight: Chad Roney “When I found out that I didn’t have to go away and leave my family, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” Roney said. “The thing I love about the fire department is you never know from one shift to the next what you’re going to be doing. You could be sitting around waiting for a call, you could be training, you could be helping someone, you could be putting out a fire. It’s always changing, and you’re getting to help people at the same time.”
for high school boys. He and his wife are also directors of Teen Reach Adventure Camp, a program for at-risk youth from the foster care system.
Roney joined the Norman Fire Department in January 2001, and he’s been a captain for seven years.
As a person who’s motivated to better himself, Roney said he enjoys the captain role because he is always learning. He has a broad scope of responsibilities.
Originally from Mississippi, Roney moved to be near relatives in Oklahoma after graduating from high school in 1989. He and his wife, Ronni, will celebrate their seventh anniversary in May. The couple has four children, Titus, Kaleb, Noah and Abby. Roney also is an active member of CrossPointe Church, where he serves as a drummer during worship services, secretary of the board of directors and a Sunday school teacher
“We just love on them and show them the love of Jesus,” Roney said. “There’s obviously an incredible need with over 10,000 children in foster care in our state. It’s just an incredible need that needs to be addressed, so that’s just one small way that we’re addressing it.”
“I view the captain’s role as serving my guys too, as well as serving the public,” Roney said. “I love it. I do like being in charge to the point where I can make the choice to make a positive difference. I get to be part of making that decision that’s going to make someone’s day better.” – BSM
Photo by: Mark Doescher
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had Roney’s career path and his community involvement have been heavily influenced by his desire to help people.
BY: CHELSEY KRAF T
