Vision 2020: Help the Community as a Volunteer Firefighter

It’s that time of year again, when friends and family inquire about resolutions for the new year. Instead of tossing out the traditional notions about getting healthier or working harder, why not resolve to truly make a difference in your community by volunteering with your local fire department?

The need for volunteer firefighters has never been greater than it is today. About 70 percent of America’s firefighters are volunteers, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Many communities are struggling to maintain their volunteer fire department.

The www.helpfightfire.com campaign is a countywide initiative devoted to growing the base of volunteer members for 55 fire companies throughout Chester County. The decline in emergency response volunteers in Chester County has reached a crisis level. New members are needed to help keep our communities safe in the new year and beyond.

There are a number of ways to volunteer, and training and equipment are always free.

Volunteer firefighters are trained to help protect property and lives in their communities. Training is provided in how to advance a hose line, perform search-and-rescue operations and position ladders strategically and safely. Volunteer firefighters must be 18 years old. Not 18 yet, but still want to help out? Junior firefighters gain experience by assisting full members, and receive the necessary training to become full volunteers once they turn 18. Becoming a junior firefighter is a great way to fulfill community service hours.

EMTs transport the sick and injured to hospitals. They respond to specialized calls like auto accidents, carbon monoxide alarms and other rescue situations. EMTs must be 18 years old.

Fire police direct traffic and control crowds at the scene of emergencies, and provide general assistance to other emergency responders.

If volunteering at an active emergency scene is not right for you, there are other opportunities at local fire departments that are vital to their operation. Administrative volunteers work behind the scenes to help keep the fire company operational. Duties can include teaching fire safety, assisting in fundraising events, helping with bookkeeping, website maintenance and recruitment and retention.

“There is nothing quite like being a volunteer firefighter,” said Neil Vaughn, Recruitment and Retention Committee Chair for the Chester County Fire Chief’s Association. “You can help save lives and protect your community in times of crisis. And if responding to an emergency scene isn’t right for you, there is plenty to do back at the station to help support the effort. There truly is a volunteer position for everyone.”

Becoming a volunteer at your Chester County fire station can save lives in 2020. What can be a meaningful resolution that that? Visit HelpFightFire.com to learn more. Volunteer today. Chester County lives depend on it.