OLD FORGE, PA — At a recent hearing in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, local volunteer firefighting companies laid bare the financial and logistical challenges threatening their ability to serve their communities. As volunteer firefighting has evolved dramatically over the past five decades, these companies find themselves grappling with a confluence of issues, including dwindling membership, escalating training requirements, and the growing complexity of emergency responses.
State Representative Jim Haddock, who hosted the hearing, emphasized the critical role these volunteers play in safeguarding their communities. “If we cannot find a remedy to save our volunteer fire companies, our hometowns will be at a tremendous loss,” he stated. Haddock, representing parts of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure continued public safety.
Among the pressing issues discussed was the increased time commitment required for essential training. Jim Williams, a long-serving member of the Old Forge Fire Department, highlighted how the necessary training for firefighters has expanded from a 36-hour course to a comprehensive 188-hour program. This significant increase, coupled with the need for volunteers to engage in fundraising efforts to cover the costs of personal equipment, has created a substantial time burden that deters potential recruits.
The nature of emergency calls has also evolved, with a noticeable rise in both frequency and complexity. Modern firefighters must be adept at handling incidents involving electric vehicles, e-bikes, and solar panels, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment. Williams noted the recent acquisition of fire blankets for electric car fires, an essential tool given the lack of county infrastructure to manage these emergencies effectively.
Despite these hurdles, efforts to secure additional funding have faced legislative roadblocks. Representative Ryan Bizzarro pointed out that while House Democrats succeeded in expanding the state grant program for fire and EMS agencies, the Republican-controlled Senate did not approve the measure. This political impasse has left many volunteer companies struggling to finance their operations and procure necessary equipment.
Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook presented a more optimistic outlook, reporting a reduction in outstanding loans and increased participation in grant funding. However, Cook acknowledged the persistent challenges, including the need to streamline the grant application process to ensure more fire departments can access available resources.
The hearing also featured insights from various stakeholders, including Bob Aulisio and Mike Lombardo from the Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association, as well as representatives from the Firefighters Association of Pennsylvania and the RIT First Responders Wellness Program. Their testimonies painted a comprehensive picture of a volunteer firefighting system under immense pressure to adapt while continuing to protect their communities effectively.
As Old Forge and similar towns across the nation grapple with these issues, finding sustainable solutions will require collaboration between local governments, state legislators, and community members to preserve the vital services volunteer fire companies provide.
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