PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) —Volunteer fire companies in Montgomery County are celebrating a $686,000 grant from The Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The four-year grant will benefit more than 80 fire companies in the county. Its overarching goal is to increase on-site volunteers because there is currently a shortage.
“We hope with this campaign that the community will see we are ordinary people looking to give back to their community,” said George Wilmot, president of the Montgomery County Fire Chief’s Association.
They plan to use the grant money to fund TV and social media ads, mailings, flyers, recruitment events, and a website in hopes of gaining more interest.
Wilmot says anyone can get involved and not every volunteer has to “run into a burning building.”
“You're not expected to be a firefighter,” he said.
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The fire companies have available positions for EMTs, fire police, junior firefighters, and fire truck driving.
No experience is necessary and the companies will provide proper gear and training to interested individuals. There is no cost to volunteer.
“There is many, many opportunities in becoming a firefighter and supporting your community through volunteers,” Wilmot said.
For more information, visit www.MontcoFireFighters.org.