Fire department staffing woes deepen as applicant interest fades
Shenango and neighboring townships report dwindling volunteer rosters and many attritions despite ongoing recruitment. Chief Rishel cites 600 yearly calls and a shrinking pool. DiCola notes steady but aging ranks, while incentives and live in programs aim to boost retention amid economic factors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Joseph
Civil Service Commission
Rishel
John DiCola
Neshannock Township
Neshannock
DiCola
Pennsylvania Faces Volunteer Fire and EMS Shortfalls and Costs
Pennsylvania harbors more than 300000 volunteers but now has about 38000 active firefighters as commissions urge regionalization. Ambulance agencies have declined from 2000 in the 1980s to under 1000, with EMTs and paramedics shedding enrollment and funding gaps widening costs for basic and advanced life support services.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ed Mann
Pennsylvania
Mann
Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania
Don DeReamus
Northampton
Monroe
Tom Wolf
DeReamus
Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
Randy Vulakovich
Frank Farry
Bucks County
Stephen Barrar
Delaware County
Chris Sainato
House Emergency and Veterans Affairs Committee
Farry
Also Mentioned on This Page
Shenango Township
Dave Rishel
Justin Data
Shenango
Data
New Castle
Slippery Rock University
Lawrence Village Plaza
Justin Aller
Hillsville
Now News
Mifflin County
Ambulance Association of
Ira Hart
West End Ambulance Service
Johnstown