Things change. Society evolves. Priorities shift.

A change in societal norms has created a shortage in volunteer firefighters locally and caused Manheim Township Fire Rescue to adjust how it provides emergency services.

"We definitely have a crisis in Pennsylvania in the volunteer setting," said Scott Little, Manheim Township Fire Rescue chief. "Volunteerism is down."

At the height of volunteer firefighting's popularity in the 1970s, there were 300,000 volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. Today, there are about 30,000.

"Some fire companies in Lancaster County struggle for volunteers," said Little, emphasizing the importance of instilling in local residents a need to give back to their communities. He noted that generational volunteer firefighters play a key role in keeping fire departments staffed with volunteers.

Manheim Township Fire Rescue operates and staffs four fire companies - at Fruitville Pike, Richmond Square, Neffsville and Eden - with 34 full-time firefighters, 48 part-timers and 25 volunteers, 13 of whom are active firefighters and 12 who provide administrative support. Overseen by Manheim Township municipal government, Manheim Township Fire Rescue operates with an annual budget of about $6 million.

"We've become an all-hazard response force," said Little. "We're kind of a catch-all. That's why our profession is so unique. Every time the tone drops, you're going to something different. It's a new day. It's something unique and challenging."

To become a volunteer firefighter, individuals must complete 200 hours of training.

"You've got to have trained people going into burning buildings," said Little. "It's evenings. It's weekends. People start thinking, 'Is it worth it?' - especially when you could work for other nonprofits. There are great days with positive outcomes, but there are also bad days."

In 2022, Manheim Township Fire Rescue responded to a total of about 2,900 emergency calls of varying types.

"There are some things you do to try to make it attractive to volunteers," said Little. "You're always trying to do what you can to retain people who want to give back. We're competing against so many other interests, so you've got to be creative. Volunteers are community-driven individuals who are dedicated to service before self. There's a need, and if you want to serve others, you can do it at your local fire companies by providing a critical service to your community."

For additional information about Manheim Township Fire Rescue, go to http://www.mtfr.net.