| Last updated on November 19, 2007 |
The Woodland Hills Volunteer Fire Departments, comprised of 15 volunteer fire departments in the Eastern Suburbs of Pittsburgh, exists to coordinate and support the activities of its member departments, and has a particular focus on recruiting volunteers.
The departments and companies that comprise the WHVFD are:
113 - Braddock VFD
114 - Braddock Hills VFD
120 - Chalfant VFD
122 - Churchill VFD
136 - East Pittsburgh VFD
137 - Edgewood VFD
153 - Forest Hills VFD
207 - North Braddock VFD
238 - Rankin VFD
278 - Swissvale FD
279 - Swissvale VFD
283 - Turtle Creek VFD
302 - Wilkins Township VFD #1
303 - Wilkins Township VFD #3
304 - Wilkins Township VFD #4
Description:
It's likely that the average person in your community doesn't know that volunteers provide their emergency fire services. Volunteer firefighters influence outcomes that directly affect people's lives by responding at a moment's notice, whether it's day or night, to put a fire out, to rescue persons and pets in harm's way, or sometimes just to give the assurance that, in fact, nothing is wrong.
In 75% of the communities in this country, volunteers provide the only organized force to do this vital work. These volunteers are people from all walks of life. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in their shoes?
The 15 departments of the WHVFD provide fire protection and rescue services for 12 communities covering over 13 square miles with a resident population of more than 50,000. Volunteers are needed in order to continue to provide firefighting and rescue services to these communities.
Most people may not realize that, nationwide, over the last 10 years the ranks of our volunteer firefighters has declined by over 100,000! During the same 10 year period, the workload has practically doubled. The fire departments in the Woodland Hills area have experienced this unfortunate national trend.
So why should you consider joining a volunteer fire company? Obviously, this would provide you the opportunity to protect and assist people in your community, including your neighbors and your family. In a larger sense, volunteering allows us to give something back to our communities.
There are, of course, many reasons not to volunteer. These include a time commitment. All firefighters, volunteer as well as paid, must go through rigorous training, and once certified, must continue to maintain and upgrade their knowledge base and firefighting skills. Similarly, training, certification, and continuing education are required for rescue as well. However, there are roles other than firefighting and rescue to be filled. Like any non-profit organization, there is need for people to handle administrative tasks, to do fundraising, to maintain the equipment and facilities, and otherwise to support the company's mission. No matter what role you take, any equipment, training, and other expenses are covered through your company.
So, if you are civic-minded, recognizing that volunteer service to your community is both necessary and personally gratifying, then you should consider joining your local volunteer fire company.
If you are interested in joining a company, whether as as active firefighter or support person, visit our website at getonthetruck.org. There you will find a brief application form that will be forwarded to the nearest company to you, or visit a company website listed at the WHVFD website referred to above.
History:
The WHVFD is a relatively new organiztion that was created by the member departments to enhance volunteer recruitment and facilitate cooperation among them.
Contact people:
Address:
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No Single Location Per Se
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://getonthetruck.org
Directions:
Miscellaneous Information
| Are court referrals welcomed? |
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No
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| Is act 33/34 clearance required of your volunteers? |
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No
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