August Sets a Record

Members attending in house training at St. Mary's School

The department logged 57 responses during the month of August, the most ever in a one month timeframe. Since July 1st, the department has responded to 108 emergency calls, including five working structure fires, two vehicle accidents with entrapment, one impalement and a host of our "everyday" runs.

In addition to the responses, members spent time conducting various training excercises.

As we head into the Fall season, we hope things quiet down a little bit.

Annual Fund Drive Underway

The AFD would like to thank each and every resident, property owner and business for your past support and donations. We ask that you continue to support our department and the services we provide by donating to our 2010 Annual Fund Drive.

As you know, our department is an all volunteer department. The Annual Fund Drive Campaign is our largest source of income, providing the funds needed to meet our operating expenses for the next fiscal year.

While we understand that many are experiencing financial constraints in this tight economy, it is important that we hear from you. Our services can only exist with your financial support.

All property owners will be receiving our fund drive packet via US mail in the next few days. Any donation, regardless of how large or small it may be, is greatly appreciated.

The AFD is recognized by the IRS as a charitable organization so your donation is also tax deductible.

Support us by sending your donation today.

Luzerne County Launches Alert System

Luzerne County will begin a new system of alerting residents to weather and emergency warnings. Since so many people have cell phones, many with internet access, text messages and emails will relay important up to the minute information on everything from missing children to possible problems with the PPL Susquehanna Nuclear Power plant or Marcellus Gas wells. Connecting to the system is free, however, standard text message charges may apply through your phone company.

To find out more log on to...http://luzerne.alertpa.org

Members takin' in some training

With hot, dry weather visiting the area for the past month or so, members have spent time outside conducting various training exercises. A few topic covered by these training sessions included Engine Co operations, rappelling and rope haul systems. A few members also participated in a basement fires class, sponsored by the Dupont FD, which was held at the LCCC training facility.

Volunteers Needed

An all volunteer department can only exist if it has volunteer members. Over the past year, we’ve lost several active members due to new employment or relocation from the area. This has had a drastic impact on the services we provide. The only way for us to be sure to meet every emergency response is to increase our membership. We currently have less than 15 active members, which is not sufficient when it comes to all the work involved in running our fire department.

According to nationally recognized studies, there are only four options for communities to maintain viable emergency services:

• Recruit and retain volunteer firefighters;
• Create and maintain a combination volunteer and career fire department;
• Create an entirely career fire department;
• Contract services with an outside agency