Garden City and South Media Fire Companies Seek Fund Drive Support

In a moment’s notice, the volunteers of the Nether Providence Township Fire Department (NPTFD) are ready to save lives and protect property. But now, the Department – comprised of Garden City and South Media Fire Companies – are reaching out to the community for help via an annual fundraising campaign: “Two Essential Fire Companies, One Crucial Request: Donate!”

At a time when the Fire Department is experiencing rising operational costs and an annual reduction in donations, the 100% volunteer Fire Department is seeking tax-deductible donations for the 2024 Annual Fund Drive via www.NPFire.org to ensure a constant state of readiness.

“Inflation has taken a greater toll on our finances this year than ever before, significantly increasing the cost of equipment repairs, maintenance and utilities,” said South Media Fire Company Chief Max Hopkins, “Ensuring that the Nether Providence Township Fire Department is well-funded means that the community remains resilient in the face of emergencies. The fire department is often the first responder in crisis situations, and your support helps ensure we are fully prepared.”

Both fire companies, which serve over 15,000 residents of the Nether Providence Township, the Borough of Rose Valley and surrounding areas, individually respond to over 930 emergency calls per year ranging from fires, rescues, accidents and more. In the past year, Fire Department volunteers devoted over 9,500 hours to training, saving lives and community outreach.

Although a portion of NPTFD’s budget is funded by the Township and residents’ taxes, it does not sufficiently cover the costs needed to provide 24/7 protection. Each fire company owns its station and is responsible for paying the mortgage, building repairs and capital expenditures, as well as maintaining and occasionally replacing apparatus. Most notably, both companies cover the cost of training, gear and lifesaving apparatus for their firefighter volunteers, with only partial funding provided by the state.

“It is a daily struggle to remain financially solvent,” said Lou DiDomenico, President of the Garden City Fire Company.

The Annual Fund Drive used to help close the gap on its expenditures, but donations have been on a sharp decline since 2016, dropping from $85,842 to $51,765 in 2023, creating an operational shortfall.

In launching the “Two Essential Fire Companies, One Crucial Request: Donate!” campaign via social media, press releases and targeted mailings, it is the hope of both Garden City and South Media Fire Companies that residents will have a greater awareness of why donations are needed to support public safety.

“We know that many community members are experiencing the hardships of inflation. We are asking you to donate whatever you can to help keep our volunteer fire department moving forward,” adds DiDomenico.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to www.NPFire.org.