Local fire department reports jump in volunteers after district tax credit program

Brad Doberman, representing the Shrewsbury Fire Company, told the Southern York County School District board during public comment on Jan. 16 that the district’s volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services tax credit program appears to be increasing volunteer engagement.

Doberman reported that when the district established the program at the end of 2022, 18 members of his department qualified for the credit; in 2023, 19 qualified; and for the 2024 submissions the department submitted 31 names to the district. He said the increase included eight new members who joined in 2023 and met the program’s criteria for credit in 2024. Doberman added he counted about 15 cadets currently active with the department.

“From my viewpoint, it’s performing great,” Doberman said, describing heightened training, fundraising and response participation among members who became eligible for the credit. He told the board the program’s eligibility rules require membership for an entire calendar year, which delays benefits for late‑joining volunteers.

Doberman said the county and several municipalities participate in similar programs. He identified Shrewsbury Borough and Shrewsbury Township, New Freedom and Glen Rock as jurisdictions with compatible approaches; he also said York County offers a tax‑credit program with different eligibility criteria. In the meeting he estimated that among eligible members across the local municipalities the program produced over $73,000 in tax credits and rebates (attribution: his submitted tally across 39 eligible people), but he did not provide a district audit or vendor document to support that dollar figure during his remarks.

Board members asked whether the increased participation had improved response times; Doberman said he had observed more volunteers putting in extra effort and that participation often produced better readiness and, anecdotally, helps get “the truck out the door.” He also told the board the cadet program is open to 14‑year‑olds and that some cadets travel from outside the district to participate.

Doberman said the State Fire Commissioner’s office had contacted him to ask about Southern York County’s approach because some other jurisdictions reported school districts or municipalities declining to adopt similar credit programs. He recommended the district consider itself a model for others.

Ending: Doberman offered to stay after the meeting to answer follow‑up questions and encouraged the district to continue publicizing cadet opportunities and scholarship links for student volunteers.