On November 4th, the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department received news that the Department was awarded a SAFER Grant from the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The purpose of the SAFER grants is to award grants directly to volunteer, combination, and career fire departments to help the departments increase their cadre of firefighters. Ultimately, the goal is for SAFER grantees to enhance their ability to attain 24-hour staffing and thus assuring their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. The SAFER grants have two activities that will help grantees attain this goal: 1) hiring of firefighters and 2) recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

The Department would like to thank member Norris Pace for his continued dedication to the Grant administration program and his continued efforts in writing the Department grant applications.  The Department was awarded $244,245 dollars to provide for additional recruitment and retention funding.

24 June 2005 -
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania donated $3500 dollars and The HG Gillespie Foundation donated $1200 dollars  to assist the EVFD in the purchase of an additional Thermal Imaging Camera which allows firefighters to see through smoke.  EVFD was presented with an opportunity to purchase the camera which was a dealer demo with a full warranty at a cost of $8000 versus a new purchase price of $18000 dollars.  The camera will allow both our engine and ladder truck to be equipped with a thermal imaging camera and provide for a second crew of firefighters to search for victims.

Image From Thermal Camera Showing Trapped Firefighter in Smoke Filled Room

EVFD Firefighter and Accountability Office James "Jim" Conway was recently published in Fire Engineering, one of today's premier firefighting trade journals.  Jim submitted an article for the Fire Yenta column which tells of some humorous incidents at the EVFD.  Those members that read the article will know who you are!  Check it out here.

EVFD Fundrive Still In Progress

The EVFD annual fundrive began mailing in mid August to all homes in the EVFD coverage area.  Your emergency fire and rescue services in the Borough of Edinboro, Washington Township, Cussewago Township and Venango Township are not provided by paid firefighters.   If they were, your taxes would be that much higher. Dedicated volunteers provide such services.   They carry pagers that - when activated - interrupt a work day, family time, a warm meal, or sleep.   These volunteers put their lives on hold, and on the line, at a moment's notice to help those in need.

We depend on your generous contributions to keep our facilities operating and our trucks in service 24 hours a day, seven days a week--just in case you need our help.

Think about it: What would you do if no one answered your fire or emergency rescue call?

It is still not too late to donate!