annie.thompson@roanoke.com (540) 981-3340

Ian Buchanan spent the day after Christmas in the waters of Smith Mountain Lake trying to raise a sunken boat.

That's not something most people would choose to do when the temperature is in the 30s.

But Buchanan volunteers for Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company and Saunders Volunteer Fire Company because he says it's important to help others.

He moved to Huddleston in 1999 and started volunteering for the Marine Fire & Rescue two months after arriving.

"Like every kid," Buchanan said, he always loved law enforcement.

He says his role with the Marine Fire & Rescue squad fits him even better than being a police officer would.

"This is the best of both worlds: I get to play in the water and do some good," he said.

Buchanan is one of about 50 people who volunteer for the Marine Fire & Rescue Company. They can be called to help in an emergency any day of the year at any hour.

"There's no glory behind it," he said. "You don't get paid for it, but you get to take the boat out every now and then."

Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company has seven boats stationed at various points around the lake, which spans 40 miles and has 500 miles of shoreline in three counties: Bedford, Pittsylvania and Franklin.

"We're only one of two marine volunteer fire departments in the country," said Al Busch, captain of the Marine Fire & Rescue Company.

The volunteers search for and recover bodies, respond to boating accidents, handle hazardous-material spills, raise sunken boats, retrieve dead animals or large debris from the lake, and more.

The first day after the September hurricane fury, the volunteers spent 13 hours retrieving loose, derelict boats that were floating around the lake because the rising water had released them from their lifts.

"Boating is great fun, but it can also be deadly instantly," Buchanan said. He is a firefighter and is awaiting word on his emergency medical technician certification.

Buchanan, 50, is a divorced father of four. He owns Buchanan Enterprises, a remodeling and restoration business, which he runs when he's not responding to emergency calls.

When people ask Buchanan why he volunteers for the fire and rescue squad, he simply replies, "Just because I can."

Know a hero? Tell us about someone you know who gives time and talent to help others. Send e-mail to heroes@roanoke.com or call 981-3340.