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Vicksburg Today
By the People, for the People
20-Year-Old Firefighter Named Volunteer of the Year
Jeremiah ONeal recognized for his dedication to the Warren County Fire Services.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:00pm
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Jeremiah ONeal, a 20-year-old firefighter with the Vicksburg Fire Department and Warren County Fire Services (WCFS), was named Firefighter of the Year by his peers in the volunteer-based WCFS organization. ONeal, who initially wanted to be a police officer, discovered his passion for firefighting during a high school tour and has been serving the community for the past two years.
Why it matters
ONeal's recognition as Firefighter of the Year at such a young age highlights the important role that volunteer first responders play in smaller communities like Vicksburg, Mississippi. His story also demonstrates how a chance encounter can inspire someone to find their true calling in public service.
The details
ONeal began volunteering with WCFS about two years ago after a dispatcher he knew encouraged him to apply during a high school tour of the facility. He started working for the Vicksburg Fire Department in October. ONeal said his favorite part of the job is being able to help people in need, though he also acknowledged the mental toll of responding to traumatic calls.
- ONeal began volunteering with WCFS about two years ago.
- ONeal started working for the Vicksburg Fire Department in October.
The players
Jeremiah ONeal
A 20-year-old firefighter with the Vicksburg Fire Department and Warren County Fire Services (WCFS) who was named Firefighter of the Year by his peers in the volunteer-based WCFS organization.
Warren County Fire Services (WCFS)
A volunteer-based fire department that serves the Vicksburg, Mississippi area.
Vicksburg Fire Department
The municipal fire department in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where Jeremiah ONeal also works.
What they’re saying
“Honestly, it just happened randomly. While I was still in high school, a dispatcher whom I knew told me that I could come tour the facility. While on the tour, I was encouraged to hand in an application for volunteer service, which I did.”
— Jeremiah ONeal, Firefighter
“I just love responding to calls. It honestly just makes my day: hearing it, showing up, helping, and knowing that I just helped whoever (needs it).”
— Jeremiah ONeal, Firefighter
“The hardest part is mental, going out and seeing all the trauma calls; it gets bad. That's the hardest part.”
— Jeremiah ONeal, Firefighter
What’s next
ONeal plans to continue serving the Vicksburg community as both a volunteer firefighter with WCFS and a full-time firefighter with the Vicksburg Fire Department.
The takeaway
Jeremiah ONeal's story highlights the vital role that volunteer first responders play in smaller communities, and how a chance encounter can inspire someone to find their true calling in public service at a young age.
