Eagle Scout finds time to help firefighters

Seventeen-year-old Josh Chambers is driven, to say the least.

The Northwood Academy junior maintains a 4.0 grade point average, plays varsity football and soccer, runs cross country, recently rose to the rank of chief in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and has earned 48 merit badges as a Life Scout with Troop 417.

Most recently, Josh completed an Eagle Scout service project, raising almost $2,400 to benefit area firefighters and overseeing the building of a model fire truck and hydrant that he designed.

"My parents taught me whatever you start, you finish. And one way of finishing is to get to the highest rank you can," Josh said of his Eagle Scout pursuit.

The two models will be housed at North Charleston's fire museum to encourage visitors to donate toward the facility's upkeep.

Josh presented North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, Fire Chief Gregory Bulanow and District 3 City Councilman Bobby Jameson with a check to go for the needs of North Charleston firefighters.

"It's very unusual for a young person to be inspired to take on a project like this. And to see it through to the point of raising that amount of money is wonderful," Bulanow said.

While service is important, Josh and his father, Scott Chambers, said what resonates with them is the time the project allowed them to spend together as a family.

Chambers said his wife, Melinda, is fighting breast cancer, which makes that time so valuable.

"We stuck by (Josh's efforts in Scouting) and we stuck by Mom. It's been a family ordeal, but the whole family has pulled together," he said.

Reach Christina Elmore at 937-5908.