New Recruitment Grant Helps Elkins Park Fire Company Grow Its Base of Volunteers

Elkins Park volunteer firefighters love that their prime location puts them in the middle of the action with 500 emergency calls each year. Now, they are bringing that selling point and a new branding campaign into the public eye, thanks to a new 4-year federal recruitment and retention grant.

The end game? Convince more residents to become volunteer firefighters with its busy station, located in the center of Cheltenham Township.

The recruitment website, www.ElkinsParkFire.org, will be used to inspire and connect residents with ways to volunteer. Those interested can fill out an inquiry form on the website and a team member will invite them to tour the fire company and meet the members.

“Elkins Park is a tight-knit, busy community and we’re at the center of it all,” said Fire Chief Brian Levy. “We welcome residents to join us in protecting the property and people in this town.” According to Levy, the fire company provides fire protection throughout the township of Cheltenham, as well as surrounding Montgomery County mutual aid companies. From time to time we work together with the City of Philadelphia on incidents since part of our district borders the city.

With a 134-year history rooted in service, it seemed only appropriate that its volunteers brainstormed its new slogan: “Elkins Park Principles: Legacy. Life-saving. Volunteerism.” The slogan will be used on promotional materials to drive home the inspiration for residents to join something bigger than themselves.

In addition to the recruitment website, the new campaign will include video testimonials, social media profiles of members, a residential mailing, face-to-face recruitment at community events and more.

Elkins Park Fire Company’s new recruitment campaign is implemented at no cost to taxpayers. It is funded entirely through the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Ways to Join the Action

Elkins Park firefighters train weekly at the station as well as learn cutting-edge skills at Montgomery County Fire Academy. Proper training and gear are provided at no cost to volunteers. No experience is required to join.

“There are many ways you can volunteer, regardless of your skill set or background,” said Chief Levy. “With more volunteers to respond to our growing number of calls, we can continue to provide outstanding service to our community.”

The following opportunities are available:

Firefighter - Protect property and help save lives during an emergency or natural disaster. You’ll learn to advance a hose line, strategic ladder placement and perform search-and-rescue duties.

Junior Firefighter - Youth ages 16 and 17 can learn basic firefighting skills and assist with exterior firefighting at emergency scenes, preparing you to attend the Fire Academy at age 18.

Driver Only (Ages 21+) - Drive apparatus to the scene and manage the pump systems to ensure our firefighters have the water they need. Driver’s license required; no interior firefighting involved.

According to firefighter Quran Frazier, there are many benefits of volunteering. He says, “Volunteering as a firefighter is a great way to serve your community, gain a second family and learn valuable skills that may save a loved one's life.”

Residents interested in joining can learn more or fill out an inquiry form at www.ElkinsParkFire.org/join and a member of Elkins Park Fire Company will be in contact as soon as possible.