The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
‘Ordinary people trained for the extraordinary’
Plans include collaborating on recruitment techniques through best practices training, saturating social media and local press with the campaign, and creating literature, he said.
“We are looking for ordinary people to train for the extraordinary,” Limerick Fire Department Deputy Chief and Recruitment and Retention Committee Chair Glen Russell said. “That’s exactly who we are — ordinary people trained to fight fires and give back to our community.”
With a new website, www. MontcoFireFighters.org, potential volunteers will be able to easily fill out a form, after which their local fire department will contact them within 24-to 48 hours, he said.
While “telling a friend is the best way to get recruits,” Russell said the campaign is encouraging others to share the website, follow on Instagram and Facebook, invite firefighters to speak at municipal meetings and set up its booth at community events.
“Every volunteer within this region has a story to tell and sharing that story will yield more volunteers,” he said.
Crediting Pennsylvania American Water, Aqua Water and Exelon for funding the grant submission process, Russell also thanked the Abington Township Fire Department for hosting the press conference at its training facility.
The Florey Lane facility is used by both Abington and regional fire companies, Abington Fire Company Chief Mike Jones said.
With the declining number of volunteers, being able to “offer an at-home facility is very important to us,” he said.
Touting the personal benefits, Matt Kozeniewski, a teacher and 8-year volunteer firefighter with Centre Square Fire Company, said he’s gained “a lot of skills I didn’t know I had — everyday life benefits.”
“It’s an incredible experience to be involved with the community,” said Zach Trowbridge, a member of the Horsham Fire Company and recent graduate of the Firefighter 1 certification program.
“Nothing is ever as fulfilling as doing rescues,” said Griffith, reflecting on his decision to become a volunteer firefighter. “I wanted to enjoy continuing to serve my community. I have a lot of admiration for these people who are committed to put out fires without being paid.”