Press Release:
Looking to build lifelong friendships while protecting your neighbors? La Mott Fire Company is offering the chance to do just that. Funded entirely by a Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the fire company is launching a major new recruitment campaign to show residents exactly what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter.
At the center of the campaign is a new recruitment website, www.lamottfirefighter.org, to inspire and connect community members in with volunteer opportunities. To volunteer, residents must live within a 3-mile radius of the station. The fire company serves the 1.8-square-mile community of La Mott in Cheltenham Township, including Lynnewood Gardens, while also providing coverage for the neighboring Ogontz area.
“Our new campaign showcases the incredible bond we share,” said President Ken Hellendall. “People join us for the thrill of the sirens, but they stay because of the family they find here.”
The campaign will feature the fire company’s slogan: “You Belong at La Mott!” which will appear on lawn signs, postcards, videos and social media content to emphasize the fire company’s welcoming atmosphere and deep-rooted camaraderie. Additionally, the fire company will boost community engagement online and in person with face-to-face recruitment, hosting open houses, exhibiting at local festivals, and collaborating with community groups.
“Because La Mott is such a distinct, close-knit community, volunteering here offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else,” said Hellendall. “We have a place for everyone, and the moment you walk through the door, you instantly feel like you’re part of a second family.”
Community members aged 18 and older can serve as firefighters to handle active emergency responses such as fire suppression, search and rescue missions and vehicle rescue. Meanwhile, teenagers ages 16 and 17 can join as junior firefighters to support operations through exterior groundwork, such as managing hose lines and handling equipment. No experience is required to volunteer. Training and gear are provided at no cost.
Residents interested in joining can learn more or fill out an inquiry form at www.lamottfirefighter.org and a member of the fire company will invite them to an informational session at the fire station, 7600 Penrose Ave, Elkins Park, PA 19027.
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Photos provided by Jessica Lis