Faces of the Valley: Emergency disaster volunteer from Parks Township logs more than 30 Salvation Army deployments

Apr. 23—The long, faded scar across Joel Brown's forehead and scalp is a reminder of one of the most harrowing volunteer days of his life.

Brown, 57, of Parks Township was driving home from a fire call with the Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department in 2020 when he swerved while driving to prevent a collision.

He suffered injuries to his head requiring hospitalization and more than 385 stitches.

"Three weeks later, I was back doing what I do," Brown said. "It wasn't my time yet."

Brown serves as chief of the Parks Township Volunteer Fire Department and is a corps sergeant major at the New Kensington Salvation Army, where he has volunteered for 33 years as an emergency disaster relief volunteer.

"I love helping people. God says that's what we should do," Brown said. "He's given me so much. That's my way of giving back."

He said helping others is his mission. To date, he has served on more than 30 relief missions related to hurricanes, fire, flooding, tornadoes and landslides in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina and New Jersey.

"I'm gonna do this till I can't do it no more," Brown said.

Most recently, Brown deployed for eight days to East Palestine, Ohio, to help with relief efforts after the train derailment there involving hazerdous materials.

"My nose was bleeding; my eyes were irritated. That was probably the worst one I went to because it's such a little community," Brown said.

Brown typically deploys for two weeks but he was sent home early from East Palestine because of environmental health concerns.

"It makes you feel good because they're glad to see you coming because they know we're there to help," Brown said.

Brown volunteered locally for a week in New Kensington during several days of funeral-related services when Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire was killed in the line of duty Jan. 2.

A Vandergrift native and 1984 Kiski Area High School alumnus, Brown first discovered the Salvation Army when he visited the now-closed location in Vandergrift.

"I knocked on the door, and a brunette girl answered. I met my wife, Jennifer, in the Salvation Army. We've been married 33 years," Brown said.

As a former Navy cook, Brown jumps in on deployments, helping in any and every capacity.

He is trained in CPR, first aid, incident command systems, leadership, emotional and spiritual care, and in emergency driving.

He usually deploys one to three times a year.

His wife praised his dedication and service.

"This is Joel's calling and ministry — for Joel to take the time to help and make a difference in people's lives," Jennifer Brown said. "That's what I admire about Joel."

In addition, the Browns foster four children.

Brown said he plans to keep deploying.

"God says we should help as many as we can," he said. "I've been helped many a time. That's why I give back."

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .