We have done our due diligence to create a fiscally responsible budget. In this budget we have provisions for hiring 4 full-time EMT’s. Unfortunately, the number of people going into the EMS field has dropped and many of our per diem EMT’s are working at 2 or 3 other EMS agencies. We also staff our ambulance with only per diem EMT’s and we have been doing this since 2006. We hope there is a volunteer or two around. After 3 PM Monday through Friday and all-day Saturday and Sunday we have 2 firefighters on duty. Our current operating conditions: Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM we have 3 firefighters on duty. Many calls on the Turnpike and 295 go unanswered by us, as the minimum staffing to respond to closed highway systems is 3.
Sadly, this isn’t enough as several calls here in Florence were answered with less than 3 on the truck, making it dangerous for the residents and the firefighters. We have nine volunteers that dedicate as much time as possible. We now have a total of seven career firefighters, one career fire marshal, one career EMS Chief and one career administrator.
Over several decades the level of volunteerism has dramatically dropped in the nation and here in Florence.
That means it is made of up paid firefighters and volunteer fire fighters. The Florence Township Fire Department is a combination department.
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