The Elkins Park Fire Company of Cheltenham Township has been named a recipient of a four-year federal recruitment and retention grant intended to persuade more residents to become volunteer firefighters.

Their new branding campaign will include video testimonials, social media profiles of members, a residential mailing, face-to-face recruitment at community events and more. Implemented at no cost to taxpayers, the campaign is funded entirely through the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Elkins Park Fire Company’s new recruitment website can be found at www.ElkinsParkFire.org. Those interested can fill out an inquiry form and a team member will invite them to tour the fire company and meet the members.

“Elkins Park is a tight-knit, busy community and we’re at the center of it all,” said Fire Chief Brian Levy. “We welcome residents to join us in protecting the property and people in this town.”

According to Levy, the 134-year-old company provides fire protection throughout the township of Cheltenham, as well as surrounding Montgomery County mutual aid companies. The company’s volunteer firefighters receive roughly 500 emergency calls each year.

“From time to time we work together with the City of Philadelphia on incidents since part of our district borders the city,” he said.

A new slogan, “Elkins Park Principles: Legacy. Life-saving. Volunteerism.” will be used on promotional materials to inspire residents to join something bigger than themselves.

Ways to Join the Action

Elkins Park firefighters train weekly at the station as well as learn cutting-edge skills at Montgomery
County Fire Academy. Proper training and gear are provided at no cost to volunteers. No experience is
required to join.

“There are many ways you can volunteer, regardless of your skill set or background,” said Chief Levy.
“With more volunteers to respond to our growing number of calls, we can continue to provide outstanding service to our community.”

The following opportunities are available:

• Firefighter – Protect property and help save lives during an emergency or natural disaster. You’ll learn to advance a hose line, strategic ladder placement and perform search-and-rescue duties.
• Junior Firefighter – Youth ages 16 and 17 can learn basic firefighting skills and assist with exterior firefighting at emergency scenes, preparing you to attend the Fire Academy at age 18. 
• Driver Only (Ages 21+) – Drive apparatus to the scene and manage the pump systems to ensure our firefighters have the water they need. Driver’s license required; no interior firefighting involved.

“Volunteering as a firefighter is a great way to serve your community, gain a second family and learn valuable skills that may save a loved one’s life,” firefighter Quran Frazier said.

Residents interested in joining can learn more or fill out an inquiry form at www.ElkinsParkFire.org/join. A member of Elkins Park Fire Company will be in contact as soon as possible.

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