Is Our Fire Company Facing a Volunteer Crisis?
Well, almost! Our fire company (West Bradford Fire Company) was founded in 1953 and has always been staffed by volunteers. Today, it is difficult to get a sufficient number of volunteers.
In the early days of the fire company the only station was in Marshallton. Almost every citizen in Marshallton was a volunteer; either as an active firefighter, managing the business end of the fire company, or helping with fundraising.
Today the Township has a greater number of residents and fewer volunteers.
While there may be interest by many, the rigors of today’s world make it difficult. Two income families leave little time for volunteering. Young people who become volunteer firefighters often leave the fire company after school either to find reasonably priced housing, or they move to start a family, most often for both reasons. Each member who is trained and leaves becomes a critical loss as we need all our volunteers to be able to have a proper response to emergencies.
Why would someone become a volunteer firefighter? Having been a volunteer firefighter when I was younger, I would like to share some stories of the satisfaction and benefits that I received from my service.
When I was a firefighter, I learned to manage many difficult situations and learned many skills that have served me throughout my life.
Many ask how I know how to make repairs around our home; these are skills I learned as a firefighter working with individuals with a variety of talents. Firefighters learn to quickly assess and address an emergency situation which is a skill that is worthwhile in anything that you do. My family has been better served because of these skills.
On one occasion we were called to a medical assist. A young girl had run through a glass door and when the door shattered received a severe laceration across her forehead. We responded and managed her care until the arrival of the ambulance. Fortunately, an excellent plastic surgeon was at the hospital to help her. Several months later, her father brought her to the fire house on training night to thank us. Her scar was barely visible. It gave us great satisfaction that we helped this beautiful young girl avoid suffering a scar that could have affected her throughout her life. My heart swells with pride that I was a part of the volunteer fire company.
At the firehouse we built great friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Operating the fire station was of great importance to me because I gained many leadership skills. My life has included several positions that required these skills which have served me, my family, and my community well.
We want more people to experience many of the good things that I have as a volunteer firefighter and encourage you to give the fire company a try. Help yourself, your family, your neighborhood, and your community.
Jack Hines, West Bradford Township Supervisor and former Fire Chief
