My Position on Supporting our Volunteer Firefighters.

I grew up in a family of firefighters, beginning with my Father being a full-time firefighter and tillerman in the Philadelphia Fire Department when I was just a child. Later, when our family moved out of Philadelphia and into the Bucks County suburbs, my Father joined a local volunteer fire company, where he became Assistant Chief and later President of the company. My Mother also supported the service as a member of the Auxiliary and spent many hours at fundraising events and cooking for the firefighters awaiting their return to the station after major fire calls, especially during winter weather.

My oldest brother joined the fire company and became a Captain and Training Officer. My next oldest brother also joined and became a firefighter and Lieutenant. Last but not least, when I came of age, I also joined the volunteers, following our family tradition. It was always funny when the home alert went off and all four of us made it to the front door at the same time.

Once I became a young adult, I continued to serve as a volunteer when needed in the area of my employment. In this role, I occasionally ran fire calls in Warminster, Feasterville, Warrington, Warwick, and, in a few cases, Doylestown. I attended and graduated from the Bucks County Fire School in Edison and later earned the position of First Aid Officer with one company.

Later in life, as manager of New Britain Township, I volunteered to assist the Chalfont Fire Company in earning voters' support for a modest Fire Tax in the community. I worked alongside Fire Chief Curt Martin as we worked at the polls from opening to closing on election day.

As part of my duties as township Manager, I assisted the Fire Company in obtaining both temporary and permanent facilities for their first substation. This effort was followed by my support and active participation in the Chal-Brit Regional EMS, of which I served as one of the founders and a member of the Board of Directors.

If elected in Haycock, I will continue to support our firefighters and emergency service volunteers without hesitation or pause.

They deserve our support, and I pledge mine!

Below are just a few ways we can support our volunteers:

Ways to Support Our Volunteer Fire Company

1. Donations

Financial contributions help our volunteers purchase equipment, maintain vehicles, and fund training programs. Everyone should participate in providing financial support.

2. Fundraising Events

Participate in or organize fundraising events such as bake sales, flower sales, or community dinners. Check the township and fire company website for an updated calendar of events. Plus, it is a great way to learn more about their services and to meet your neighbors. The flower sales regularly hosted at the fire station take only a few minutes to show your appreciation.

3. Volunteer Your Time

If you can, volunteer as a firefighter, or inquire about assisting with administrative tasks, community outreach, fundraising, and event planning.

4. Spread the Word

Share information about our fire company with friends, family, and on social media to raise awareness.

5. In-Kind Donations

Provide supplies or services that can help, such as donating food for events, office supplies, or maintenance services.

6. Attend Community Meetings

Show your support by attending community meetings and voicing your appreciation for our volunteer emergency services.

It was an honor and privilege to serve with my family as a volunteer firefighter for many years and to continue my support throughout my professional career roles as a Township Manager.

If I am elected as a Haycock Supervisor, our Fire Company and all Emergency Services serving our community will have a strong and reliable advocate on the Board of Supervisors.