Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz announced today that Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Company will receive a $102,000 SAFER grant to expand their recruitment and retention rates. The Congresswoman sent a letter on behalf of the fire company in support of the SAFER grant earlier this year.

The 2009 SAFER grant will allow Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Company (WGVFC) to implement important volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention initiatives.

“These funds will enhance Willow Grove Fire Company’s recruitment and training abilities, which will allow them to recruit additional qualified volunteer firefighters,” Schwartz said. “These brave men and women volunteer their time to keep our communities safe and these funds will ensure they can do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.”

Willow Grove Fire Company intends to design and implement recruitment advertising using web-based social media platforms in order to drive potential applicants to the department’s recruitment web site.

In addition, the fire company plans to hire an administrator to effectively implement and manage the above programs so that volunteer firefighters can spend less time on administrative responsibilities and more time providing emergency services to the community.

“Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Company is extremely excited to receive a 2009 SAFER award to implement programs that will enhance our ongoing volunteer firefighter recruitment initiatives,” said Lee Perlmutter, Chief of WGVFC. “By attracting additional volunteer firefighters, our department will be able to maintain and improve upon staffing levels so that we may continue to provide high quality fire protection and rescue services at a significant tax savings to Upper Moreland Township.”

The Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Company has been serving the residents of Upper Moreland Township since 1907 and provides protection, rescue and EMS services to more than 24,000 residents. The fire company also provides mutual aid services to major facilities within Montgomery County, including the Willow Grove Naval Air Station and Abington Memorial Hospital.

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