Submitted by Dana Baker
Benjamin Franklin organized the first volunteer fire department in Pennsylvania in an effort to provide a critical public service during emergencies. These first steps many years ago have now grown into a massive system of volunteer fire departments throughout our beautiful state! As time has passed some fire departments are now career (paid) salaries while others are a combination of paid and volunteer providers. However, across our nation the majority of fire, rescue and ems providers are volunteers giving of their own time to the community. This area (Franklin County) is no different than our state and nation in the construct of fire, rescue and EMS services. Additionally, often paying the bills for emergency services relies on volunteers participating in various fund raising efforts to maintain services. This is in addition to funds received from local, state or federal sources. The vast majority of my experiences have been associated with Pleasant Hall Volunteer Fire Company located in Letterkenny Township. Since 1971 (when I joined as a Junior Member) I have seen the fire company grow by leaps and bounds. Today, Pleasant Hall VFC is a combination of volunteer and paid responders that provide service to the community. Also, the fire company relies on volunteers to help with fundraising, community events, as well as maintaining the fire station, apparatus and equipment. The Pleasant Hall VFC has embarked on a membership recruitment effort thanks in part to a federal grant that provides resources to offset costs for recruitment and retention of members. You may notice banners, yard signs and similar items in the community advertising for new members! Additionally an informational brochure will be mailed to residents in the near future. How can you help?? If you interesed in helping there are two simple methods to get more info:
Simply dial 715-532-5155 and press option 8 and leave you name and return phone number.
Or
Access our website at pleasanthallfire.org then click on the members section and complete the online application.
If your not feeling comfortable about becoming volunteer firefighter or providing emergency medical care we always need help with many other aspects of our operations!
Don’t Delay – Join Us Today!
Dana Baker is a resident of Letterkenny Townshp, Life Member of Pleasant Hall V F C and a member of the Recruitment and Retention Committee at PHVFC
