Resolve to Make a Difference: Become a Firefighter, or Lend a Hand to Your Local Volunteers

Bucks County, PA…As the New Year approaches, many make resolutions aimed at improving their lives. But some Bucks County residents have made a year-round commitment that not only improves their lives, it potentially saves others. These special men and women volunteer at one of the county’s 87 volunteer fire stations. And this year, you could be one of them.

To make a life-changing, maybe even life-saving resolution, follow these easy steps suggested by the Bucks County Fire Chiefs & Firefighters Association:

1. Consider your skill set and interests.

· Do you thrive on adrenaline, yet keep your calm in intense situations? Do you have, or want to learn, medical or first aid skills? You could be a firefighter or EMT!

· Can you tame disorder into order? Would you like to play a vital role in firefighting, but not enter a burning building? You could direct traffic during emergencies as a member of the fire police!

· Are you a great public speaker? Do you enjoy teaching new skills? You could teach fire safety at schools or community events!

· Has your job or hobby resulted in a special ability that you’re willing to share? Whatever it is, chances are good a Bucks County department could use your help!

2. Determine how much time you can commit.

· Whether you can respond whenever someone needs help, have just a few hours each month to spare, or something in-between, there’s a volunteer role for you.

· Your local department can help you determine how to fit volunteering in your busy life.

3. Visit www.bucksfire.org

· There’s much more information about how YOU can become a fire department volunteer and what firefighters and EMTs do, including many photos and videos.

· Click on the website’s VOLUNTEER button and fill out a simple form, or email info@bucksfire.org with any questions. A current volunteer will quickly be in touch.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community, but it will also do much for you personally, said Rob Kay, Bucks County Fire Chiefs & Firefighters Association Recruitment Committee co-chair.

Volunteers get free training, and can earn free college credits. They learn leadership skills and discipline that can help them in their day jobs. They earn community respect. And they become part of a close-knit team that shares camaraderie like no other organization.

The opportunities are great, and so is the need.

“The need for volunteers cannot be overstated,” said Jerry Barton, Parkland Fire Co. Safety Officer and co-chair of the Bucks County Fire Chiefs & Firefighters Association Recruitment Committee. Bucks County’s population has grown, and the need for firefighters with it. But here and across the country, the number of volunteer firefighters has not kept pace.

Many newer county residents who’ve moved here from Philadelphia, New York, or another large metropolitan area with paid, career firefighters and EMTs may not realize that the people who fight fires, get people safely out of wrecked cars, provide medical treatment on-scene or transport residents to the hospital are, in fact, volunteers.

So this year, instead of making the same old resolution that grows old before Valentine’s Day, how about making a pledge to the community you love? Visit www.bucksfire.org today!