Something perhaps unintentional happened Sunday in Franklin's Bandstand Park as local firefighters joined together to remember those lost in the first Firefighter Memorial and Honor Service.
There was an overwhelming cry for help.
Volunteerism across the country is down and that was repeated by nearly every speaker who bellied up to the podium to address a crowd of around 100 people, mostly volunteer firefighters already or their family members.
This service was held a week earlier than the national "Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters" observance due to that date being smack dab in the middle of Applefest.
The event was organized by a committee led by Sandycreek chaplain Sandy Lewis and featured speeches from state Representative. R. Lee James, State Senator Scott Hutchinson, Venango County Commissioners, Mike Dulaney, Chip Abromovic and Sam Breene as well as keynote speaker Chaplain Paul Hammaker. Opening prayer and benediction was given by Rev. Mark Fultz and chaplain Sany Young handled the memorial service.Franklin High School's madrigal singers opened the event and Noah Taylor and Andrew Rugh played taps. Matt Perry played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.
There was an overwhelming cry for help.
Volunteerism across the country is down and that was repeated by nearly every speaker who bellied up to the podium to address a crowd of around 100 people, mostly volunteer firefighters already or their family members.
This service was held a week earlier than the national "Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters" observance due to that date being smack dab in the middle of Applefest.
The event was organized by a committee led by Sandycreek chaplain Sandy Lewis and featured speeches from state Representative. R. Lee James, State Senator Scott Hutchinson, Venango County Commissioners, Mike Dulaney, Chip Abromovic and Sam Breene as well as keynote speaker Chaplain Paul Hammaker. Opening prayer and benediction was given by Rev. Mark Fultz and chaplain Sany Young handled the memorial service.Franklin High School's madrigal singers opened the event and Noah Taylor and Andrew Rugh played taps. Matt Perry played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.
Another surprise testimonial came from someone in attendance who felt compelled to walk to the podium during a silent period where the passing of the boot for donations and passing out of tiny bells took place.
Suddenly broken by the shaking voice od Betty Ghering. "A few years ago I died." she said telling the tale of how a heart attack caused emergency personnel to respond to her home in the middle of the night for what seemed like a hopeless resuscitation. Even the ER doctor on the phone said to stop CPR after it appeared their efforts weren't going to start her heart again. But Betty's heart slowly, perhaps miraculously, started beating again and the firefighters and paramedics on scene said they now had a pulse and were bringing her in to the ER. They were now bringing a person under their care back to life.
Ghering pointed to one of the firefighters in the crowd. "If it wasn't for Sandy Creek fire department I wouldn't be hear today."
Suddenly broken by the shaking voice od Betty Ghering. "A few years ago I died." she said telling the tale of how a heart attack caused emergency personnel to respond to her home in the middle of the night for what seemed like a hopeless resuscitation. Even the ER doctor on the phone said to stop CPR after it appeared their efforts weren't going to start her heart again. But Betty's heart slowly, perhaps miraculously, started beating again and the firefighters and paramedics on scene said they now had a pulse and were bringing her in to the ER. They were now bringing a person under their care back to life.
Ghering pointed to one of the firefighters in the crowd. "If it wasn't for Sandy Creek fire department I wouldn't be hear today."
Stories like Ghering's were not lost on the local political leaders who got up to express their admiration for the people before them that go into danger instead of running away from it and who serve their community daily by being the ones who try to help people during the worst moments of their lives.
One by one they agreed more volunteers were needed. Commissioner Mike Dulaney said that nearly 35,000 Venango County residence are served by volunteer departments and just over 16,000 are covered by paid and volunteer staffs He called for more volunteers emphasizing the numbers across the state are dramatically down. In 2018 it was estimated that only about 38,000 volunteers were answering calls compared to over 300,000 in the 1970s. Fundraising for volunteers are also strained with less volunteers to help.
One by one they agreed more volunteers were needed. Commissioner Mike Dulaney said that nearly 35,000 Venango County residence are served by volunteer departments and just over 16,000 are covered by paid and volunteer staffs He called for more volunteers emphasizing the numbers across the state are dramatically down. In 2018 it was estimated that only about 38,000 volunteers were answering calls compared to over 300,000 in the 1970s. Fundraising for volunteers are also strained with less volunteers to help.
Though Sunday's event was in part meant to be a solemn remembrance of those lost, it was also a poignant honoring of those still stepping up to serve. The crowd may have been mostly made up of those who already are answering the call, but you could hear in the voices of the speakers a need to heard beyond those in attendance.
And the remembrance of those lost is also acknowledgment that those local firefighters who have died have also not all been replaced.
Organizer Sandy Lewis asked all fire departments to provide rosters to show what the numbers looked like and to be sure those serving were recognized. The lists came in showing in the neighborhood of a $1,000 dues paying members.
These members are all important but it is also important to note that there are not a 1,000 members who are capable of entering burning structures. Only about 20 to 30% of members go to calls and this includes the fire police, support staff and EMS crews.
Lewis emphasized all members are important in making a department work. Fundraisers are crucial to keeping the gear up-to-date and functioning properly. Having to purchase a new truck can devastate a small community volunteer fire company.
Organizer Sandy Lewis asked all fire departments to provide rosters to show what the numbers looked like and to be sure those serving were recognized. The lists came in showing in the neighborhood of a $1,000 dues paying members.
These members are all important but it is also important to note that there are not a 1,000 members who are capable of entering burning structures. Only about 20 to 30% of members go to calls and this includes the fire police, support staff and EMS crews.
Lewis emphasized all members are important in making a department work. Fundraisers are crucial to keeping the gear up-to-date and functioning properly. Having to purchase a new truck can devastate a small community volunteer fire company.
Lewis hopes this becomes an annual event. "What people don't realize, that when a firefighter is lost in the line of duty, or even even just passes away, that the support for that individual is moving, but that person is not there to see what they meant to the community," she said. "I want this event to something that every firefighter sees the support they have.I want them to know they truly make a difference."
Not only the volunteer departments were honored, the paid Oil City and Franklin departments were also honored in the ceremony.
Not only the volunteer departments were honored, the paid Oil City and Franklin departments were also honored in the ceremony.
Also at the event small bells were given out in hopes that on October 3 at 4 p.m. everyone takes a moment to to reflect on the men and women responders who have been lost as the nation observes the "Bells Across America for Fallen Firefighters" together. You can ring them at Applefest even.
Below are a few more photos from this event.
Below are a few more photos from this event.
 |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
RSS Feed