While this is a bill we should support, it will not address the overall problem of volunteer firefighter funding. It may offer bigger cash incentives, but this is not enough to curtail the dwindling attendance at bingo events. We need a concrete revenue stream for these emergency services. Let’s give our volunteers more time to tend to emergencies, and not keep demanding they spend increasing hours raising money. Their services are important to our communities.

Michael Grant

Volunteer fire company fund raisers have always been an integral part of the community and keeps the fire company on a first name basis, if you will, with the citizens. The only concrete revenue stream available to any public service group is a tax and the last thing the people of PA need is another tax. If fund raising is not bringing in its expected proportion of revenue, move some money out of the overflowing coffers of the school boards. Its time to use some of that unrepresented tax money where its really needed.

This is true in many communities. Some have combined forces when distance allows, others have simply cutback. Cutting back should not be an option. Firefighters do save lives and risking lives is never an option. Firefighting is a very expensive business, even in volunteer fire companies where only a few are paid. Equipment is hugely expensive and does wear out and MUST be replaced. Your comment “if fundraising fails” has very real significance today with the rising cost of everything. People will hesitate to spend money at carnivals, bingo and ham suppers this summer in an attempt to keep the gas tank filled. Personally, if I had to pay another tax I would rather it go to VFDs and then cut my school tax. I have kids in school and I want good schools, but when my school district
( Southwestern ) demands the very high shool tax and returns only mediocre results, I prefer to have my tax money sent to VFD’s where money is badly needed and results are lives saved.
JP