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Although there is a nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters, it is pronounced in Pennsylvania, according to Steve Hirsch, chairman of the National Volunteer Firefighting Council. (Kenny Cooper/WHYY)
Even before the pandemic, Pennsylvania was facing an extreme shortage of volunteer firefighters. According to a state legislative report, there were 300,000 volunteers during the 1970s. By 2018, that number had dwindled to 38,000.
“Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen a decline in the number of volunteer firefighters on a national basis. … And, of course, it seems like it’s very pronounced in Pennsylvania,” said Steve Hirsch, chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council.
PHILADELPHIAÂ â A volunteer firefighter with the Cheltenham Fire Company was honored with the National Liberty Museumâs Act of Valor Award earlier this month for his work in the Philadelphia area amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
âIt was nice to be recognized by an organization like that,â said Fire Lt. Malik Willard, a 26-year firefighter with the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Willard, 50, of Philadelphia, also committed to dedicate his time in early 2020 as a way to âgive back a little to the volunteers,â at the Montgomery County agency.
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After learning about the initiative earlier this summer, Willard said his friend and colleague Lt. Joseph Gardener nominated him for the award.