Bucks Firefighters Spotlight Need for Volunteers at Mercer Museum's Firefighting History Exhibit

Members of the Bucks County Fire Chiefs & Firefighters Association were thrilled to learn a museum exhibit will highlight volunteer firefighting history - and determined to add a lesson in current events.

Through displays of tools, parade regalia, apparel, artwork, photographs, apparatus and other items and artifacts, Doylestown’s Mercer Museum will present “To Save Our Fellow Citizens: Volunteer Firefighting 1800-1875” from this Saturday, April 25, through Sept. 7. The exhibit includes information about societal changes that resulted in paid firefighter positions in the city. But the need for volunteers is not history, said Fire Chiefs & Firefighters Association Recruitment Committee Co-Chair Rob Kay.

“Here in Bucks County, and across Pennsylvania, most communities are still served by volunteer fire departments,” Kay said. “We thought this fascinating exhibit on the role volunteer firefighters have played here in the past was the perfect time to educate county residents about the critical role volunteers still play in their safety.”

Since the Mercer exhibit is likely to attract people with an interest in firefighting, it also provides a great opportunity to let potential volunteers know how they can become a volunteer firefighter or take on a support role at one of Bucks County’s 67 departments, said the committee’s other co-chair, Jerry Barton.

Those behind the exhibit are happy to have the participation of current firefighters complementing the historical displays and programming.

“The Mercer Museum is pleased to partner with the fire companies of Bucks County and share the history of firefighting with the community and showcase the important work that they do,” said Doug Dolan, Executive Director of the Mercer Museum.

Each day the exhibit is open, museum visitors will find information about becoming a Bucks County volunteer, including take-home brochures that provide the basic facts and refer prospective volunteers to BucksFire.org - a website where they can get more information or sign up.

On two special exhibit days - the June 7 and Aug. 16 firefighting apparatus displays, or “musters,” current Bucks County volunteer firefighters will be on hand to answer visitor questions about firefighting. The musters will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. on the Mercer’s grounds.

The June 7 muster will feature pre-1960 antique apparatus and related educational programs; the Aug. 16 muster will feature modern firefighting apparatus and programs.

“Both musters, and the exhibit, will provide an interesting and educational experience for county residents,” Barton said. “We’re hoping some of those residents will be inspired to help us write the next chapter of the Bucks County volunteer firefighting story.”

The “To Save Our Fellow Citizens” exhibit is designed to appeal to all-ages and also includes hands-on activities for children. For more information, go to www.mercermuseum.org and click on exhibits. The museum is located at 84 S. Pine St. in Doylestown, PA.

The opportunity to help save lives as a volunteer Bucks County firefighter is open to anyone age 18 or older, and even younger teens can participate as junior firefighters. Visit BucksFire.org for more information about volunteering.