Kenneth Poling, Jr. has the distinction of having the record of being the Top Responder for the Parsons Fire Department for 2025 thus far. In the second quarter of 2025, Poling responded to 56 calls. But far beyond that, he moreover has the distinction of being a firefighter for 51 years. Poling began fighting fires and helping others in high school back in September of 1974 after his interest was sparked by former Parsons VFD Fire Chief Charles Lloyd. Poling joined along with several others at the time.
“I got firefighting in my blood and like helping people,” Poling said.
While most people think that a volunteer fire fighters only fight fires, Poling said the Parsons VFD responds to a variety of calls from trees down, downed power lines, vehicle accidents, vehicle fires and medical emergencies. Poling said that the Department has responded to very few structure fires this year.
At the age of 68, Poling said he has no intention of slowing down. Poling said when not responding to fire calls, he assists with EMS calls. Poling said that being a Volunteer Firefighter is no harder now for him than when he first started back in high school.
“I still feel young. I love helping people,” Poling said.
