Pocono News Section

Central PA Firefighters Looking for Volunteers

Central PA Firefighters Looking for Volunteers - Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 5:32PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Jan 16, 2008 @05:32pm EST
LEWISBURG, UNION COUNTY - Firefighters in Union County are looking for a few good people. They need volunteers to help join local fire departments.

As firefighters returned from a call Wednesday afternoon, where they protected their community, they're now issuing their plea. Officials say they need volunteers to help answer calls at all times of the day and night.

"We're what we've always been told are an elite group of people. We volunteer to go in a building while everyone is running out," Lewisburg Fire Chief Bill Hoban said.

Fire officials say tough economic times now have many people working two jobs and therefore volunteering less. For the Lewisburg Fire Department, Bucknell students like Mark Steinhauer help fill the void, but only when school is in session.

"We definately need volunteers. I know other departments are lacking at times, especially in the middle of the day," Steinhauer said.

If you're interested in volunteering in Lewisburg, you only have to be 16-years-old. You also have to fill out an application. Many of the current volunteers say it is rewarding.

The guys here are great. They've been really helpful. It's difficult learning something completely new, but it's rewarding," volunteer firefighter Dominick Tiramani said.

Firefighters say learning the trucks and apparatus can be challenging, but they're willing to train anyone who is interested. They say fighting fires is one time when "quantity" counts.

"We've never run into a problem where we didn't have firefighters. We've run into problems where we've had a low amount of manpower. That's where we utilize Milton, Mifflinburg and the other local companies around us," Chief Hoban said.

That is teamwork that often saves lives.

"I'm surprised that more people don't volunteer. Living in a community and just giving back to your community," Tiramani said.

If you'd like information on how to volunteer for the Lewisburg Fire Department, you can call (570) 524-2291 or visit the website: www.wcec-lfd.org.