Nearly every municipality in York County relies almost solely on volunteer firefighters to protect the lives and property of its residents. And that worries local fire officials who find it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain men and women willing to provide that crucial service — and the more mundane duties necessary to pay the departments’ bills.“Volunteer fire service is dying quickly,” said Chief Tony Myers, a 30-year veteran of the Shrewsbury Volunteer Fire Co. “We’re in dire straits,” agreed Brian Widmayer, deputy chief of the Dover Township Volunteer Fire Department. York County isn’t unique; communities across Pennsylvania are reporting the same problems, according to state Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay. Authorities estimate about 50,000 to 70,000 volunteer firefighters are active around the state, down from a high of 300,000 in 1976. Read More
Photo & article by York Dispatch