Volunteering is a family affair for the Clites family. A tradition since 1968, all four of Cheyenne Clites’ children are continuing the legacy at Craley Fire Company.
Cheyenne’s favorite part of volunteering with his kids is doing what he loves the most with them by his side.
“The fire service teaches them responsibilities and the reality of emergencies that happen,” said Cheyenne, 45, who works as an auto mechanic and body technician. “It gives them a different perspective of life when they see it with their own eyes than just seeing it on the news.”
Daltin Clites
Cheyenne’s oldest son, Daltin, 21, was always interested in emergency services. He volunteers as a firefighter and works as a 911 dispatcher for York County.
“By volunteering with my dad, I get to grow up to be like him, and he works us hard to become better,” said Daltin.
Ethan, 19, and Felicity, 18, weren’t as convinced about joining the fire service. Ethan admits he wasn’t interested initially and wasn’t sure if he would be able to do it, but giving it a try changed his mind.
“After going through training and running a few calls, I knew it was the right place to be,” said Ethan, who volunteers as a firefighter and EMT.
He also works part-time as an EMT and is a full-time student at York College, pursing a premedical sciences major with the goal to become a doctor.
Ethan Clites
“My favorite part about working with my dad is that it pulls him and I closer,” said Ethan. “By sharing the same passion for volunteering, we can very easily bond over similar experiences and struggles.”
Similarly, Felicity also wasn’t sure about joining until Cheyenne approached her about it. He encouraged her to join and lead by example for other girls to sign up too. Felicity is training to become a certified firefighter and volunteers as a probationary firefighter right now.
“One thing that I learned is to never give up, especially when you think something is too hard,” she said. “Being able to push yourself to learn and work harder is what makes you a better person and firefighter.”
Felicity is currently enrolling to join the medial field. She works at a restaurant and helps out her grandparents whenever she can. At Craley, she enjoys helping people in times of crises and learning from her dad.
“My dad is one of my best friends that always looks out for me even when I don’t want him too,” said Felicity. “He’s always been one of my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for him. I can’t imagine not running calls or going out late to get snacks from Rutter’s without him by my side.”
Additionally, Cheyenne’s youngest daughter, Lexie, is gearing up to join Craley as a junior firefighter when she turns 14 next month.
Felicity and her dad, Cheyenne Clites.
“Working with parents and siblings can be difficult at times, definitely mixing it with home life, but it’s been great learning and growing around family,” said Daltin.
The Clites children all look up to their dad and the way he serves as a leader as Craley’s Captain.
“He’s been a big role model and who I look up to as a fireman,” said Ethan. “He’s never afraid to share his insight for me and others to learn from, and improve as a fireman and as people.”
Another lesson the Clites family has learned is the importance of respect.
“My dad has a relationship with each person at the firehouse and respects everyone,” said Felicity. “Once you show someone respect, they will follow, and you will end up making more friends and relationships that will last forever.”
The Clites also enjoy the family atmosphere at Craley, even with those who aren’t blood related.
“Craley is like one big family,” said Cheyenne. “Most of all, everyone owes their community something, and serving your community is the greatest feeling.”
In addition to the importance of service, Cheyenne has instilled the value of hard work in his children.
“My dad’s nickname at the firehouse is ‘Pap,’” says Ethan. “Whether the name comes from the impact he has on others, or just his age, he makes sure people know that his name doesn’t mean he can’t outwork them!”
For anyone interested in volunteering at Craley Fire Company, no prior experience is required to join. Training and gear are provided to help answer the call in Lower Windsor Township and beyond. Learn more or fill out a no-obligation inquiry form at www.JoinCraleyFire.org.
