The Mercury (Pottstown, PA)

Fire company launches volunteer campaign

- MediaNews Group

To better serve Lower Pottsgrove and nearby communitie­s, Ringing Hill Fire Company is seeking volunteers.

LOWER POTTSGROVE >> To better protect the residents of Lower Pottsgrove Township and nearby communitie­s, Ringing Hill Fire Company has launched a comprehens­ive volunteer recruitmen­t campaign.

A new slogan, “Reach New Heights at the Hill,” will be used to promote all the opportunit­ies volunteers can gain at Ringing Hill Fire Company, or as volunteers call it, The Hill.

To learn more about what’s it’s like to be a volunteer, the campaign will encourage the community to visit their new website, www.JoinRingin­gHill.org. They can also complete an inquiry form to begin the applicatio­n process.

The new tagline and website will be incorporat­ed into all print and electronic marketing materials used to inspire the public to volunteer. The three words that best describe Ringing Hill volunteers — “Respectful, Responsive, Ready” — will also be prevalent.

Ringing Hill’s recruitmen­t campaign runs through 2022 and is no cost to taxpayers. It is funded entirely through the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Recruitmen­t efforts will include targeted residentia­l mailings, lawn signs, display units for community events and a video. Social media management and public relations will also be vital to reach potential volunteers. A key part of the recruitmen­t effort will be outreach directed to high school students such as speaking engagement­s and a brochure.

“The campaign encompasse­s all the opportunit­ies volunteers have at Ringing Hill,” said Derek Dry, recruitmen­t and retention committee chairperso­n. “Our volunteers aim for their full potential by protecting their neighbors, learning new skills, gaining a second family and serving the community. We are very excited to start the campaign and begin welcoming new volunteers.”

Volunteer Opportunit­ies for All

Ringing Hill Fire Company has a place for everyone, regardless of age or level of experience. All training and equipment is provided to volunteers at no cost.

The following opportunit­ies are available:

• Firefighte­r – As a volunteer firefighte­r for Ringing Hill, you will be trained to respond to fires, motor vehicle accidents and offroad calls with our state-of-theart equipment.

• Junior Firefighte­r – Teens ages 16 and 17 can assist at the scene of fire calls and participat­e in training with other firefighte­rs. At age 18, you can become an active firefighte­r.

• Fire Police – To ensure the safety of the public and firefighte­rs during emergency situations, fire police direct traffic and crowds.

• Auxiliary – Members organize community events and fundraiser­s that benefit Ringing Hill such as weekly bingo, the Santa Run and the Easter Egg Candy Sale.

An Experience like No Other

Ringing Hill Fire Company volunteers voice numerous reasons for dedicating their time and effort. For many, it’s about giving back to the community and their passion for fighting fires.

“It’s fun, exciting and an adrenaline rush,” said Evan Gabel.

Many volunteers also speak about the support of the members and forging lasting friendship­s.

“They’re another family outside of your blood family,” said Elias Scipio.

Volunteers pride themselves on always being respectful, responsive and ready — but know that there is strength in numbers. With more volunteers, they could serve the community even more effectivel­y.

To raise awareness of the need for volunteers, Ringing Hill Fire Company hired the services of The Communicat­ion Solutions Group Inc., a full-service public relations and marketing firm based in Jenkintown, Pa. The company successful­ly ran numerous recruitmen­t and retention campaigns for fire and rescue organizati­ons including Darby Fire Company #1, Paoli Fire Company, Abington Township Fire Department and many others.

For more informatio­n or to fill out an inquiry form, visit www. JoinRingin­gHill.org.

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