February centers on heart service and caring for others, making it an ideal time to highlight the need for volunteer firefighters. Volunteer departments protect millions of residents yet face growing call volumes and declining membership. Volunteers remain the backbone of fire protection where paid staffing is not affordable. With flexible roles training provided and strong community ties serving, it helps keep essential emergency services available.

The new year invites meaningful change, but many resolutions fade quickly. Joining your local fire department offers lasting purpose, community, and impact. Volunteering lets you help neighbors during emergencies while building real-world skills and confidence. Training is provided, roles are flexible, and every hour matters, making fire service a resolution that truly serves others.

When December arrives, so do colder temperatures, crackling fireplaces, holiday decorations, and the comfort of gathering indoors. While winter brings warmth in many ways, it also brings increased fire risks and emergency calls that put pressure on local fire departments, many of which are powered by volunteers. As your home fills with holiday lights, space heaters, candles, and seasonal cooking, it’s crucial to think about safety.

Every year, Lancaster County fire departments respond to hundreds of preventable fires. While our volunteer firefighters are always ready to answer the call, the truth is that the best fire we fight is the one that never starts. That's why fire prevention education is one of the most important roles our volunteer firefighters play in the community.