West Deptford Township is the prime location for volunteers seeking action. With an influx of new residents, the West Deptford Fire Department receives between 900 and 1,000 calls annually. A recent merger between four local fire companies yielded a single, well-trained, robust department, West Deptford Fire Department.
The West Deptford Fire Department has hit the ground running by launching a strategic, comprehensive campaign to recruit volunteer firefighters. The tagline to promote the department’s campaign, “Ignite Your Passion for Life-Saving Action” is exactly what volunteers can expect when they join.
The campaign will drive community members interested in volunteering to the fire department’s new website www.WestDeptfordFireFighter.org. Those interested in joining the team can learn more about the department or apply to become a volunteer by visiting the website.
West Deptford Fire Department’s four-year recruitment campaign is of 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).
Recruitment efforts will include targeted residential mailings and brochures, display materials for community events and video. Social media management and public relations will also be crucial to reach potential volunteers in the community.
“As a fire department, we’ve dealt with a lot of change recently,” said Chief Anthony Ferriola, “But we’ve all gone above and beyond simply adapting to this change, and I am excited to watch our department flourish over the course of this campaign.”
Ways to Join the Action
Whether its assisting at a scene, directing traffic, or diving into the action anyone can volunteer at West Deptford Fire Department. Potential volunteers should keep in mind no prior experience is necessary. The department provides state-of-the-art training and gear, free of cost.
“Our calls range from house fires to motor vehicle crashes to water rescue and more,” said Chief David Raso, “With more volunteers to respond to these diverse calls, we can continue to provide outstanding service to our community.”
The following opportunities are available:
- Firefighter – Volunteer firefighters, ages 18 and older, respond to fires and emergencies in homes, commercial or industrial buildings, and along major roads. You will protect property, perform lifesaving search-and-rescue missions, and you can be trained for water rescue.
- Explorer/Junior Firefighter- Teens ages 14 and 15 can volunteer as an explorer, and teens ages 16 and 17 can volunteer as junior firefighter. Once the junior firefighter grows to the age of 18, he or she will be allowed to go through the Firefighter I course and become an active firefighter.
- Fire Police -Volunteer fire police, ages 18 and older, ensure the safety of firefighters at the scene of emergencies. Your duties include directing traffic and crowd control.
To reach more members in the community and create awareness about the need for volunteers, West Deptford Fire Department hired the services of The Communication Solutions Group Inc., a full-service public relations and marketing firm based in Jenkintown, Pa. The company successfully ran numerous recruitment and retention campaigns for fire and rescue organizations including Deptford Fire Department, Gloucester Township fire companies, Woolwich Fire Company and many others.
For more information or to fill out an inquiry form, visit www.WestDeptFordFireFighter.org.
Editor’s note: To set up an interview with a volunteer, please contact Communication Solutions at 215-884-6499.