New fire captain, just 22, committed to continuing legacy of service in Oakmont

When Joey Flanick was a teenager, people in Oakmont nicknamed him “The Mayor.”

“I just talk to everyone,” said Flanick, now 22 and an Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department captain. “The mayor title is like a joke, but it stuck. I’m a very social person, and I can build relationships with others.”

With four months of experience volunteering as captain under his belt, Flanick works full time as an emergency medical technician with the Parkview Volunteer Fire Department in O’Hara.

The son of Tabitha and Joe Flanick, Joey serves Oakmont alongside his father, who is fire department chief, and his brother, Jack, also a volunteer firefighter.

A lifelong Oakmont resident and 2020 graduate of Riverview Jr./Sr. High School, Joey Flanick earned an associate’s degree in fire science administration from the Community College of Allegheny County.

As captain, Flanick is determined to beef up Oakmont’s roster of volunteer firefighters.

He recently recruited eight firefighters, bringing the active roster up to 29.

“We’ve doubled our membership the last few years by recruiting, networking and using social media,” Flanick said.

Promoting ongoing and continuing fire education for members is a priority for Flanick.

Within the past two years, the fire company has trained 10 members through essential firefighting with more than 230 hours. Additional training in water, pet and vehicle rescue, and first aid has been provided.

A new ladder truck is in service, and the fire department has welcomed six new EMTs. A new Ford F-550 rescue truck is expected to be in service in the coming weeks.

Flanick hopes to further his education and earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I’d like to continue my education studying arson and explosions, and investigating fires would be an awesome job,” he said.

His biggest challenges since being elected captain are handling the pressure that can accompany split-second decisions and keeping everyone safe during emergencies.

“It’s important to keep the team working well together and help them handle the stress of the job,” Flanick said. “Another big challenge is effectively training and preparing your team for the vast range of emergencies they might face, ensuring they’re ready for anything.”

Courtesy of Joey Flanick

Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department firefighters Joey Flanick (left) and his father, Joe, work at a fire scene.

Flanick joined the fire company when he was 16 and has avoided any serious injuries.

Working with his father has been rewarding.

“It’s nice because we bond over something together,” Flanick said. “I’ve learned from my dad the main thing, to keep your head down, remain calm. And I’ve gained that from him.”

Flanick was called to serve from a young age.

“The main reason is it was in the family,” he said. “It’s an adrenaline rush to help others during a crisis. It feels rewarding.”

The department recently purchased an emergency first aid oxygen supply kit for animals that goes on all emergency calls.

“We have our own dog and cat masks — to accommodate anything from a squirrel to horses — and we’ve taken eight-hour classes on CPR for pets,” Flanick said. “It’s a growing trend in firefighting and EMS.”

The animal rescue kit was used to help a cat at a fire, but the cat ultimately died from its injuries, Flanick said.

John Richey, 75, joined the Oakmont department in 2020 after serving with Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department No. 7 for 45 years.

Richey described Flanick as a social butterfly. Richey’s wife, Dianne, praised Flanick’s enthusiasm in his professional and personal life.

“He’s the ultimate fireman because if there’s a fire, he would be the guy that I would want there,” Dianne said. “It’s his education and gumption that makes him stand out. He enjoys it. He’s just a general overall go-getter. He’s a real good kid. For his age, he’s accomplished a lot, and it’s a lot of work to do what he does.”

Flanick said his service role offers him a sense of fulfillment.

“I’m gaining a lot of experience and training, but, most importantly, I feel fulfilled and glad that I’m able to give back to my community and others,” he said. “Also a reward to this is having a second family within the department.

“We have a great support system at the Oakmont VFD and a dedicated group of men and women that make the department extraordinary.”

Borough manager Scot Fodi said it won’t be a surprise to anyone if Flanick elevates to larger leadership roles in any of his personal or professional pursuits.

“He’s a great young man, service-oriented and humble. He’s the type that would recognize the volunteerism of his friends in the department before recognizing his own,” Fodi said.

Seth Merryman, 23, of Oakmont was recruited by Flanick beginning in 2019 while he still was enrolled at Michigan State University.

“He was the driving force in getting me to join the fire department,” Merryman said. “It’s one of the best things for me. As someone who is young and still learning everything, having someone who’s my age who understands what I’m going through and is supportive, it makes me feel more confident about being in the fire department. I absolutely love it.”

Merryman, originally from Lower Burrell, moved to Oakmont as a teenager and attended Riverview High.

“He always showed interest, and he’s such a helper,” Merryman said of Flanick. “I’m not surprised in the slightest that he was selected because he is at the station almost every day. He gives his heart and soul to that fire department.

“Here’s this kid that’s my age who wants to serve and dedicate his life to people in need. It’s inspirational.”