Fire chiefs push volunteer recruitment as Whitemarsh approves assistance for ladder truck

Chris Schwartz, chief of the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company and president of the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association, addressed the Whitemarsh Board on June 11 to announce the "250 Strong, Save and Serve" initiative, an effort to recruit 250 new volunteer firefighters across Montgomery County by 2027.

Schwartz said the initiative will be supported by awards from a four-year, multi-million-dollar FEMA Safer Recruitment and Retention Grant and highlighted benefits for new volunteers including "free gear, free training, and a free family-like association for life." He told the Board the county's volunteer ranks have declined over decades and said sustained recruitment and training are critical to keeping local services staffed.

Following the presentation, the Board approved a motion to authorize appropriation of funds from the Township’s Fire Company Capital Reserve to supplement the Barren Hill Fire Company's purchase of a 2026 Sutphen tower ladder truck. Township staff reported the total cost of the truck is about $1.8 million and the balance in the reserve as of April 30 was $429,737.48. If authorized, a check payable to Sutphen Corporation through Barren Hill would be prepared by Sept. 1, 2026.

Chief Schwartz and the Board framed the appropriation as a partial supplement to the truck purchase; specifics of the dollar amount the Township will contribute were not stated at the meeting. The motion carried by voice vote.

The presentation and funding action link the county-level volunteer-recruitment effort with one local company's equipment needs as fire services plan for long-term volunteer recruitment and retention.