Often, we take for granted the term volunteering; we must always appreciate that it means without pay in all contexts whether one is simply picking up trash, hosting a 5K to raise awareness, or saving lives as a firefighter.   Fire companies are prevalent in communities, however, what is their relation to the general community outside of emergency situations?  Is there a relation?  In West Chester, there are three fire companies that represent parts of the borough and also the university.  Most have an operating budget of $80,000 but only receives $18,000 from taxpayers and grants from the Chester County Community Foundation.  Many have never realized it before but all those firehall parties and wedding receptions are actually fundraisers to help minimize the cost deficiency.  Furthermore, fire companies recently were mandated to spend an additional $1 million on a new engine in order to accommodate the new 8-story residence hall named Commonwealth Hall (their other engines were not equipped with ladders long enough to reach these new heights).

So, if the fire company takes care of the borough and the borough contributes to these volunteers via taxes, it makes sense that the students attending the university also contribute to these companies, correct? We are hosting this week long philanthropy to give back to those who do so much for us with little thanks in return. Conversation should remain open to get to know the firefighters, thank them for their services, and coordinate efforts including them in university functions, especially since the nature of their work puts their lives in danger and they do it for…….absolutely no pay, free. Below is a link to donate directly to the cause if you are unable to attend the event.