By John Jascoll
The Intelligencer Journal/New Era
LANCASTER, Pa — At the same time that area residents are relying more and more on volunteer organizations for emergency services, these organizations are becoming increasingly hard-pressed to make ends meet.
That challenge was discussed during the Upper Leacock Township supervisors’ meeting last week when Bareville and Upper Leacock fire companies and Leola Ambulance Association reported on the emergency services they have provided in the township so far this year.
Bareville fire Chief Nelson Oberholtzer said his company has responded to 91 calls, while Upper Leacock Fire Company Chief Nelson Dagen said his organization took care of 137 calls. Leola Ambulance president Bob Eberly said his association handled 359 calls.
Besides dealing with fires, smoking chimneys and alarms, the fire companies responded to a host of other emergencies, from traffic accidents to storm-damaged trees and power lines, both fire chiefs said. They also provide escort services for medical emergencies.
A number of concerns came up. Both fire chiefs said it was frustrating that there are habitual offenders in the township whose fire alarms go off when there isn’t a fire. And when they respond to a car accident, using costly materials to soak up spilled gasoline, insurance companies will not reimburse any of their expenditures, they said.
Supervisor Chairman Ron Simmons said, “I think that’s just totally not right.”
All three organizations reported an increased demand for their services in 2010. Eberly said he believes the 10 to 15 percent increase in ambulance calls is caused by the economy. He said the ambulance association is having to transport more people to hospital emergency rooms who can’t afford to see a doctor before their conditions become acute.
Both fire companies are staffed solely by volunteers. Bareville has 50, Upper Leacock 20. Leola Ambulance has two full-time paid employees but could not function without its 35 volunteers.
Supervisor Jim Bennett asked the fire chiefs whether the people they help are financially supportive. Oberholtzer said longtime residents make donations, but newcomers to the township often don’t understand that the fire companies are staffed by volunteers.
“They think we’re paid, so they have no intention of donating,” Oberholtzer said.
He also said times are tough, and if people aren’t required to support a fire company, they won’t.
Simmons said, “We as a township need to do a better job of getting the word out there that the fire companies are volunteer organizations and tax dollars are not funding them.
“We are definitely looking at what level of funding support the fire companies need from the township and how we can do that for you, how we can help,” Simmons said.
Last year the township contributed $16,500 to Bareville Fire Company and $22,500 to Upper Leacock Fire Company.
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