The number of volunteer firefighters across America has decreased over the years. During the 1970's in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there were 300,000 volunteer firefighters. That number stands at about 50,000 today. Due to the increase of personal and family responsibilities, the increase in necessary training, and the increase of emergency response calls, some call the situation a crisis not only in Pennsylvania but many other states as well. Lawmakers and those responsible for public safety are now acknowledging volunteers and are making attempts to provide assistance. From an article in the Reading Eagle, Pennsylvania Senator Randy Vulakovich recently stated at the state capitol, "They've been telling us for a while - 'We really need some help' - it's our fault. We have been turning a deaf ear. But we're not now." Anne Arundel County, Maryland, has initiated certain benefits for volunteer firefighters and many others are starting to come to the aid of volunteers who respond to help those in need. The East Whiteland Fire Company is a combination department, meaning we have a paid staff and volunteers. Both are needed, and both compliment each other very well in providing a vital service to our community. In addition to fire calls, we respond to emergency medical service needs , rescue incidents, hazardous materials incidents, traffic accidents and traffic control, as well as any type of emergency where our services are needed. Other functions of the fire department include fire prevention awareness, fire safety training, and public safety. On September 19, 2016, the East Whiteland Fire Company along with many other assist companies from all over Chester County, responded to a major rescue when a large quarry dump truck fell into the Glasgow Quarry in East Whiteland Township, and most recent on January 10, 2017 we helped to rescue a horse from a frozen pond in Charlestown Township. For information on becoming a volunteer or to make a donation to assist with funding, please visit our website: www.eastwhitelandfire.org or www.Facebook.com/EastWhitelandFireCompany.