When Cody Gable walked across the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree from Neumann University on May 17, he was the first in a long line of family firefighters to do so.
He wasn’t alone long, however. Just seconds later, Cody’s father, Jim, followed in his son’s footsteps and accepted his degree. After earning associate degrees at Montgomery County Community College, they enrolled together in Neumann’s BS in Public Safety Administration program in 2024 and finished at the same time.
Cody is the fourth generation in the Gable family to serve as a first responder.
“My dad’s grandfather and his brother were firefighters in Phoenixville 50 or 60 years ago. My dad’s father was, too,” he explains.
Cody, 29, is a full-time firefighter with the East Whiteland Fire Department. Jim, 55, serves part-time for the Coatesville Fire Department. Both live in Phoenixville.
“We’re both certified to become fire investigators,” says Jim, “and the degree was a next step to becoming a fire marshal. It’s an important component in moving your career.”
Their passion for firefighting, however, is motivated by more than professional advancement. Jim has been a firefighter for 39 years. Cody for 16.
“I enjoyed getting together with a group of guys to help others,” Jim recalls. “I’m still working a full-time job with a utility company, but there’s something different about the fire service. You’re adopting a second family.”
Cody agrees. “You build bonds with everyone you’re on shift with. I’m with the same three other people every third day. They become like brothers.”
Both enjoyed their time in Neumann’s PSA program. Jim appreciates that the professors were attuned to their schedule of shift work and emergency calls. “They were very accommodating.”
Cody valued the depth of experience he found in his classmates. “I was in classes with my dad, who was a fire chief and consolidated a fire department, and officers from fire departments in Reading, Philadelphia, and DC – people with a higher profile than me. It gives you a broader experience level.”
More education may be in their future. They are considering a master’s degree program.
Together, of course. These firefighters are family in more ways than one.