VFDs: An Endangered Species
By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director
Volunteer fire departments are "officially" on the endangered species list.
That's according to Foster Township Supervisor Jim Connelly Jr., who took time during Monday's supervisors meeting to address the dwindling membership of the Derrick City and Rew volunteer fire departments.
"I'm going to put our Foster Township fire departments on the endangered species list," Connelly said. "We need help. It's got to be addressed."
He reiterated what supervisors have been saying for months -- people don't have to fight fires to be a member of the department. Plenty of other jobs, such as maintenance and bingo, are available.
Connelly acknowledged that the problem isn't unique to Foster Township.
"It's a serious issue all over the United States of America," he said. "Our volunteers are falling by the wayside. Having a volunteer fire department is a luxury."
"When we pick up that phone, we dial 9-1-1 we assume someone's going to come," Connelly said. What happens when they don't? What happens?"
He and the other supervisors noted that, along with the safety issue, having a volunteer fire department keeps homeowners insurance down.
Connelly added that he would like to see at least 10 new members each in the Derrick City and Rew departments.
Besides the call for new volunteers, Connelly organized a recognition ceremony for the members already serving in the departments.
Pastor Mike McAvoy of Open Arms Community Church also spoke and said volunteer firefighters do the most work and "get the least amount of recognition, the least amount of reward."
In a prayer he offered, he added that they "don't serve out of their wallet; they serve out of their heart."
Also during Monday's meeting, supervisors agreed to look into First Energy's Standard Lighting Incentives for Business Program, that gives monetary incentives for converting to energy efficient lighting.
Supervisors said if they switched lighting, the township would save about 30 percent.
Also Monday, Wright Street resident Bob Baker asked about former supervisor Cary Kaber applying for unemployment compensation for the work, other than supervisor, he did for the township.
Baker said the "taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill" after voting Caber out of office.
Township secretary Jennifer Gorrell said they're not sure yet if the township's insurance rates will go up if Caber does receive unemployment compensation.
In other matters, by a 2 to 1 vote supervisors appointed Dan Hartle to be the new township solicitor. He replaces Richard Mutzabaugh, who is ill.
Supervisor chairman Bob Slike noted that Mutzabaugh has represented the township since the mid-60s and he would "hate not to appoint his firm." He added that Mutzabaugh's partner, Robert Saunders, was willing to be the township's solicitor.
Supervisor Chris Wolcott said Mutzabaugh has "represented us well over the years (but) it's time for a change."
Supervisors also appointed Dale Yohe to a position on the planning commission. His term expires December 31, 2013.
Pictured, top, Cliff Hastings, who has been with the Rew Volunteer Fire Department for 58 years, shakes hands with Supervisor Chairman Bob Slike. Also pictured is George Corignani of the Bradford City Fire Department. And, in the second photo, Tina Yohe and Will McDonald, who have served with the Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, receive thanks from Derrick City Fire Chief Jim Kelley, Derrick City Fire Department President Bill Fargo, Rew Fire Department Chief Todd Burkhouse, Rew Fire Department President Scott Gibbs.
WESB/WBRR News Director
Volunteer fire departments are "officially" on the endangered species list.That's according to Foster Township Supervisor Jim Connelly Jr., who took time during Monday's supervisors meeting to address the dwindling membership of the Derrick City and Rew volunteer fire departments.
"I'm going to put our Foster Township fire departments on the endangered species list," Connelly said. "We need help. It's got to be addressed."
He reiterated what supervisors have been saying for months -- people don't have to fight fires to be a member of the department. Plenty of other jobs, such as maintenance and bingo, are available.
Connelly acknowledged that the problem isn't unique to Foster Township.
"It's a serious issue all over the United States of America," he said. "Our volunteers are falling by the wayside. Having a volunteer fire department is a luxury."
"When we pick up that phone, we dial 9-1-1 we assume someone's going to come," Connelly said. What happens when they don't? What happens?"
He and the other supervisors noted that, along with the safety issue, having a volunteer fire department keeps homeowners insurance down.
Connelly added that he would like to see at least 10 new members each in the Derrick City and Rew departments.
Besides the call for new volunteers, Connelly organized a recognition ceremony for the members already serving in the departments.Pastor Mike McAvoy of Open Arms Community Church also spoke and said volunteer firefighters do the most work and "get the least amount of recognition, the least amount of reward."
In a prayer he offered, he added that they "don't serve out of their wallet; they serve out of their heart."
Also during Monday's meeting, supervisors agreed to look into First Energy's Standard Lighting Incentives for Business Program, that gives monetary incentives for converting to energy efficient lighting.
Supervisors said if they switched lighting, the township would save about 30 percent.
Also Monday, Wright Street resident Bob Baker asked about former supervisor Cary Kaber applying for unemployment compensation for the work, other than supervisor, he did for the township.
Baker said the "taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill" after voting Caber out of office.
Township secretary Jennifer Gorrell said they're not sure yet if the township's insurance rates will go up if Caber does receive unemployment compensation.
In other matters, by a 2 to 1 vote supervisors appointed Dan Hartle to be the new township solicitor. He replaces Richard Mutzabaugh, who is ill.
Supervisor chairman Bob Slike noted that Mutzabaugh has represented the township since the mid-60s and he would "hate not to appoint his firm." He added that Mutzabaugh's partner, Robert Saunders, was willing to be the township's solicitor.
Supervisor Chris Wolcott said Mutzabaugh has "represented us well over the years (but) it's time for a change."
Supervisors also appointed Dale Yohe to a position on the planning commission. His term expires December 31, 2013.
Pictured, top, Cliff Hastings, who has been with the Rew Volunteer Fire Department for 58 years, shakes hands with Supervisor Chairman Bob Slike. Also pictured is George Corignani of the Bradford City Fire Department. And, in the second photo, Tina Yohe and Will McDonald, who have served with the Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years, receive thanks from Derrick City Fire Chief Jim Kelley, Derrick City Fire Department President Bill Fargo, Rew Fire Department Chief Todd Burkhouse, Rew Fire Department President Scott Gibbs.
.jpg)
Comments