"When people have a problem that they don't know how to solve, they call us. We can't say no to anything. Many times, we're able to help. It's a great feeling, helping people. I treat them the way I expect my family to be treated."

"There's definitely a special connection when you grew up in the town you work in. It's kind of an anchor; you know the families."

"The thing that I do best in life is be a father."

"Laughter is the key to happiness. Humor is a part of our household. We look at things with a self-deprecating point of view."

THE SKINNY

RANK: Captain

AGE: 44

HIRED IN RANDOLPH: 1993

BIO:Hurley grew up in Randolph and graduated from Archbishop Williams High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science from North Adams State College. It was his father-in-law, retired Boston Fire Department District Chief James McNamara, who got him interested in becoming a firefighter. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2002, and captain two years later. Hurley serves as the department's fire prevention officer and has been secretary-treasurer of his union local for eight years. He spent 21 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a major. His wife, Christine, is a stand-up comic. They live in Plymouth with their five children: Colleen, 16; Libby, 12; Ryan, 10; Joseph, 9; and Brenda, 7.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? Teacher.

What would you have been if not a firefighter?Teacher.

Best advice you ever got:"In life, nothing stays the same."

Person who gave it to you:"My father, James M. Hurley, retired town veterans agent."

What do you do in your spare time? "Coach baseball and football, manage my wife's career, spend time with my kids."