Ronnie Paige,
A Hero In Our Midst

A full-time firefighter in Little Rock, Ronnie Paige still believed that he wasn't doing enough to serve his community.

In addition to his seventeen-year career with the Little Rock Fire Department, Ronnie Paige, 58, spends his free time volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Central Arkansas. Largely because of Paige's involvement, BBBS is now the department's official community service partner, and several of the officers have volunteered their time to mentor elementary school students.

"I look and kids are getting involved in gang activity, drugs, you name it," said Paige of his decision to begin working with BBBS. "They're getting involved in too much of the wrong things. And, if we can make a difference to just one, we've got to do it."

Paige, the fire department's Community Service Award winner, has been volunteering with BBBS for almost five years. He began volunteering through a program at the department, but, because his schedule when he's on duty can be unpredictable, he began visiting the local elementary school on the days when he is off duty.

"Ron often goes on his day off just so he doesn't miss his visit," said Amanda Guerin, the Bigs-in-School manager for BBBS. "Ron strives to be a positive role model and teach his ‘little brother' respect and discipline. He goes above and beyond every week."

Paige believes that it's most important to help his "Little," Princeton, stay on track. "I find out what's on his mind, what's going on with him, find out if there's anything I can do to help—homework, anything… We talk about what he wants to do. He's got goals. He wants to go to college."

Those around Princeton have noticed Paige's influence. Initially shy, Princeton is now more confident and directed. "That's important," said Paige. "My heart goes out to him. I want him to get the chance to be a kid and to take part in as many activities as he can."

At the ceremony, Paige's colleagues from the Little Rock Fire Department joined Heroes In Our Midst in honoring Paige's service. "Ron is the person that you want as a Big Brother, as a spouse, as a friend, and especially for me to have him on our company here at the Little Rock Fire Department," said Captain Raymond Gunther.

In addition to his full-time work with the fire department and his weekly visits to Princeton's school, Paige teaches fire safety at elementary schools and volunteers at Camp Sunshine for young burn victims.

But Paige insists that he's not a hero. "I didn't get involved in any of this to win an award," he said. "I just do it because it's right."

To honor Paige's commitment to service, please send cards to:

Ronnie Paige
c/o Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas
312 West Pershing Boulevard
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114