State Reps. host listening tour for emergency personnel

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — State Representatives stepped away from their desk on Monday to listen to the needs of Cambria County firefighters. They were joined by members of the Fire and EMS Caucus so they help emergency responders in the state.

“I mean it’s a funding issue. A lot of places within the state are even going to have trouble funding the fire service in the future,” Johnstown Fire Department Chief Bob Statler said.

It’s a concern departments across the state are facing, regardless of whether they’re paid or volunteer.

“You have your paid because the city has a paid department. Your municipalities, not so much so. In Pennsylvania, we have 2,500 fire companies. 90% of those are volunteer. You know, that’s why we’re meeting, we’re talking. How do you get somebody to become a firefighter? This is a hard thing to get somebody to talked into doing, especially if you’re not going to get paid,” Representative Jim Rigby, (R) 71st District said.

That’s why Representative Rigby and his team also stopped by the Richland Township Fire Department . Their fire chief said that his volunteer numbers aren’t what they used to be, and their greatest need right now is funding for grants and educating those in the area.

“I think the biggest thing is education for the public out there. They don’t understand how much money we actually save them as a volunteer fire department. It’s millions of dollars. And that’s not counting buying fire trucks and buy equipment. Everything is gone and doubled in price and so put in place,” Wes Meyers, Chief of Richland Township Fire Department said.

The listening tour won’t end in Cambria County. The representatives also met with the West Hills Fire Company and will meet with more firefighters and emergency responders to see what their needs are so that the Fire and EMS Caucus can advocate for change.

Get daily updates on local news, weather and sports by signing up for the WTAJ Newsletter .

“Hopefully we can do that and find ways to make sure that we keep these doors open,” Rigby said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.