VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES

We count on our fire companies to be there when we need them.  We take for granted that they are staffed and have the right equipment and training.  Our volunteers do more than put out fires. These men and women often act as police, paramedics, rescuers and traffic control.  They offer strength and comfort in terrible situations. We expect them to be there when we need them but often don’t think much about in the interim.

Cumberland County’s fire companies are taxed with a shortage of volunteers and money. For example, Penn Township’s fire company is 100% volunteer. They cover Penn, Dickinson and Cooke Townships and assist county-wide as needed.  Penn Township’s volunteers also cover a large stretch of Interstate 81 and two rest stops and Michaux State Forest. Despite these responsibilities, Penn Twp. V.F.D receives no direct funding stream from federal or state funds. They raise the funds they need to operate themselves. This is just not right. 

As your Commissioner, I work hard to support our volunteer fire companies and will continue to do so. I know that the county could employ a grant writer to research and write grant requests for our fire companies.  Our firefighters deserve and need support from our state and federal governments.  I aim to help them so that they can focus on what they do best - protecting us.