Despite being a small fire station, Craley Fire Company takes on the immense responsibility of protecting its community. The company takes pride in being 100% volunteer-run and is looking to grow its numbers by launching a four-year recruitment campaign.
Along with the campaign is a new tagline, “Progressive Training, Aggressive Response,” which emphasizes the higher level of preparation that its team uses to save lives. A recruitment website, www.JoinCraleyFire.org, is where the community can learn more about the volunteer experience and ways to volunteer, and fill out an inquiry form to express interest in joining.
In an effort to recruit as many volunteers as possible, Craley is taking the necessary steps to make this campaign widely accessible. Potential volunteers can receive an early glimpse of the action beforehand through social media marketing, takeaway brochures, lawn signs around Lower Windsor Township and other public relations efforts.
Craley Fire Company’s recruitment campaign runs through 2027 and is at no cost to taxpayers. It is funded entirely through the Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
No experience is required to become a volunteer. “At Craley, we’ll work with you to learn the roles of our operations as firefighters, ensuring that you master the essential skills and are able to advance further,” said Ethan Clites, firefighter and EMT.
Ways to Volunteer
Craley’s volunteers train at the fire company every other Wednesday and many of them pursue advanced training courses at York County Fire School. Training and gear are provided, and there are many ways to get involved.
“It’s always good to give back to the community that you live in,” said President Brandon Ness. “You’ll also make family bonds with the other members from the fire house, and they’ll always be there in a time of need.”
Craley Fire Company is seeking volunteers to fill the following roles:
- Firefighter – Respond to a variety of calls, including structure or residential fires, brush fires, vehicle accidents, and more.
- Junior firefighter (ages 14-17) – Perform exterior groundwork at fire calls such as running hoses, laddering buildings, and grabbing tools for firefighters.
- EMT – Provide medical treatment and emergency first aid on rescue calls, as well as assisting ambulance companies.
- Fire Police – Keep first responders and the public safe at the scene of emergencies by regulating traffic.
- Social Member – Manage fundraisers, fire company events, and bingo while having the opportunity to interact with the community.
In an effort to raise awareness of recruitment, Craley has partnered with The Communication Solutions Group Inc., a full-service public relations and marketing firm based in Jenkintown, Pa. Communication Solutions has run numerous successful campaigns for other fire and rescue organizations such as West Manchester Township Fire Department, Ringing Hill Fire Company, Harmonville Fire Company, and many more.
To fill out an inquiry form or for more information, visit www.JoinCraleyFire.org.