Times Observer photo by Jeff Tome The North Warren Fire Department is one of many local fire departments that need volunteers.Contact a local VFD to find out how to help.

What happens if you call 911, but no one is there to help?

In some areas of Warren County, that scary scenario remains a distinct possibility. There are nineteen fire departments in Warren County and eighteen of them are run by volunteers. Those volunteer fire departments have long been the backbone of first responders in the county, but new volunteers are needed.

“We really need the next generation to step up and help in the community,” said Paul Pascuzzi, Southwest Emergency Management coordinator. “From a government perspective, we rely on volunteers to man emergency services. Where will we be in ten years if there are no people stepping up into these positions to be available when people need help?”

During May’s Council of Governments meeting, Rich Barrett reported that the Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner’s office has reached out and is sending someone out to meet with fire departments in July. Ken McCorrison, Warren County public safety director, said public safety officials are seeing fewer dropped calls but are seeing some agencies that are only in service 30% of the time. Those agencies are relying more and more on outside agencies.

Most firefighters are volunteers throughout the county, and most fire halls are shorthanded. Ambulance services are provided both by volunteers and Emergycare, depending on the emergency and the availability of volunteers. Basic lifesaving events are handled by volunteer EMTs when they are available. More serious emergencies are handled by Emergycare, which is based out of North Warren and Youngsville.

The Multi-municipal Services Commission met recently to discuss what they could do to help local volunteer fire departments with recruitment. Currently, each volunteer fire department is responsible for their own recruitment and they are struggling to find people. There is a clear understanding that each individual municipality cannot do their own recruitment, but not a clear strategy for county-wide recruitment.

If you are interested in learning more about helping at your local VFD, each one has a drill night. Interested volunteers can visit on the drill night to get an application and learn more about the volunteer needs for their local VFD. Contact your local VFD, or check their facebook page, to learn when their drill night is or how to become a volunteer.