In the near future, I plan to re-introduce a resolution to designate April 12, 2025, as Volunteer Firefighter Day in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has a deep and rich history with volunteer firefighting. Benjamin Franklin formed the first firefighting force, Union Fire Company, in 1736 and served as the first volunteer fire chief in the United States. In 1820, Marina Betts became the first recorded female volunteer firefighter in Pittsburgh and volunteered for almost 20 years according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania is approximately between 36,000 and 38,000, but that number has dwindled from over 300,000 volunteer firefighters since 1975. We must find ways to promote volunteer firefighting, especially in our rural communities, in order to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth.

This resolution will honor volunteer firefighters in their brave and sacrificial endeavors to keep the Commonwealth safe at any hour of the day or night, to fight house fires, save passengers in a car accident, and aid in other emergency situations. Volunteer firefighters witness great tragedy alongside joy and relief when protecting and saving someone from harm. This resolution will promote and acknowledge how important what volunteer firefighters do on a daily basis is for the Commonwealth.

I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution that will honor the brave men and women who serve their communities as volunteer firefighters.