MILLCREEK
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Millcreek Township Supervisors accepted a proposal to hire several experienced full-time paid firefighters and a fire chief . This decision supplements the preexisting volunteer fire departments and is in response to concerns and recommendations made by the Millcreek Township Fire and Emergency Services Commission .
Earlier this year , The Millcreek Township Fire and Emergency Services Commission , consisting of existing fire department chiefs and residents , recommended these hires as a necessity . The specifics of the proposal developed over time with weight given to each course of action .
“ As volunteerism continues to decline and Millcreek ’ s population grows , we have recognized the logical necessity to bolster volunteer fire departments as they respond to emergency calls ” said Jim Rosenbaum , Chief of West Ridge Fire Department and Chairman of the Millcreek Fire and Emergency Services Commission .
Volunteer fire departments are on decline across Pennsylvania . According to the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute , the number of volunteer firefighters has shrunk from 300,000 in the 1970 ’ s to 38,000 in 2018 . While numbers continue to decline , the population of Millcreek is 54,073 according to the 2020 Census , the largest township in western Pennsylvania . illcreek
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP NEWS
In the proposed 2023 budget , the costs of the new firefighters and fire chief will be funded through a Fire Tax that residents will see as a line item in their property taxes . The funds generated will supplement existing LST funds so the tax will be of minimum expense to residents .
Volunteer efforts remain a crucial part of Millcreek firefighting capabilities . Volunteer Fire Departments will continue to hold their annual fund-raising drive which is critical for ensuring a strong volunteer component to the Township ' s firefighting capability .
If residents are interested in starting the conversation around volunteering , please enter the link below , or navigate to the Millcreek Township website , and under the “ Township Services ” tab , below “ Residents ” is a “ Volunteer Firefighter ” page . Fill out the quick interest form here , it only takes a minute and is not a formal application . Volunteer Firefighter Interest Form can be found at https :// www . millcreektownship . com / 377 / Volunteer-Firefighters
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