Region’s firefighters deserve all support residents can give

You know how you know it’s summer in Pennsylvania? Firemen’s fairs. It’s another good moment to praise volunteer firefighters (and first responders in general) and more importantly urge your continuing financial support of them.

You really have to stop and think about those two words to understand just how incredulous a pair they make: volunteer firefighter.

Someone who fights fires, enters buildings amidst the roar of deadly flames, withstands searing heat and suffocating smoke to save humans and pets, and participates in the choreography learned to try and save a burning house and protect the ones next to it. In their spare time. For no pay. On behalf of people they might not even know.

You’re probably aware of the significant reduction in volunteer numbers. And that the average age of those volunteers is rising. You’re probably aware of the thousands of dollars it costs to train and equip the volunteers.

Some municipalities offer a sliver of tax revenue to help support their fire companies. And just last week, the Penn Township commissioners in western Pennsylvania indicated they are likely to soon approve tax breaks for firefighters after a state law passed last year paved the way.

Other local governments have done the same. All good. Still, there should be continued pressure in the state’s legislative chambers to identify (and implement) ways to inspire and reward volunteers as well as provide their fire companies with overt financial support.

In a guest column submission to Digital First Media, state Rep. Duane Milne, R167th Dist., writes:

“A sure sign we have entered the slumber of summer is the sights and sounds of fire company fairs across the landscape. On behalf of our community, I am wish to express heartfelt thanks and admiration for the extraordinary services that volunteer fire and ambulance companies provide us. Their mission to rush to the aid of fellow citizens in need reflects the highest ideals of citizenship and concern for the welfare of others.

“Volunteer fire companies in Pennsylvania can proudly trace their roots all the way back to 1736, when Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia helped hoist the ladder of what became the first volunteer fire company in America. The volunteers you see in action today responding to calls can count among their historical colleagues the likes of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, among others.

“Still today, it is a virtual certainty that the fellow citizens we see working an incident are volunteers. Some 95 percent of Pennsylvania firefighters are volunteers. Their service to us requires countless hours devoted to training and being on duty, at potentially any hour of the day or night, and in the face of all manner of weather and environmental conditions. Dedication to duty can mean untold hours away from family, taking care of the house, and even paid employment.

“The role of the state Legislature is to pass legislation to authorize some grants for volunteer fire and ambulance companies. However, the reality is that most companies rely heavily on receiving donations from local residents via membership drives and fundraisers. The tradition of the midsummer carnival is one such source of critically needed revenue, and certainly one reason my family and I attend (and spend!)

“So if you’re weighing whether or not to get those fried Oreos at the fair like me, waver no more: it’s for a most worthy cause!”

In the meantime, you can help alleviate the pressure on the steep costs associated with volunteer firefighters in different ways.

First, write a check. Five, fifty, a hundred dollars. It all counts. Then be sure to support the burger bash, hoagie sale and fish fry; certainly, don’t miss the bingo.

And, of course, stroll on down to the firemen’s fair, plunk down a few bucks at the booths that directly benefit the fire department and buy a couple of raffle tickets whether you want that new truck or not.

Don’t take a minute to think about doing it, just do it. Thankfully, the volunteers you’ll be supporting never hesitate for a second when that alarm sounds.

— Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, The Associated Press, with Digital First Media