Greater Abington Fire Departments Turn to Incentives to Boost Volunteer Ranks
Fire departments in Jenkintown and Cheltenham, within the Greater Abington region, are implementing creative strategies to recruit more volunteers. These methods include economic incentives like property tax rebates and successful recruitment campaigns, as seen in La Mott and Jenkintown fire…
Philadelphia, PA, November 3, 2026 — In an effort to combat dwindling volunteer numbers and the escalating costs of fully staffed fire departments, fire companies across the Greater Abington region are exploring innovative recruitment tactics. Notably, departments in Jenkintown and Cheltenham are turning to economic incentives and targeted campaigns to attract new members and retain existing ones.
The challenge of maintaining adequate volunteer staffing is a growing concern for many fire services nationwide. In response, Jenkintown and Cheltenham fire departments are looking beyond traditional methods. One significant strategy involves economic incentives, such as property tax rebates, designed to provide a tangible benefit to individuals who dedicate their time to serving their communities as volunteer firefighters.
Successful recruitment initiatives have already been observed in the region. The La Mott and Jenkintown fire companies, for instance, have reported positive outcomes from their recruitment efforts. These campaigns often involve outreach within the local community, highlighting the critical role of volunteers and the impact they have on public safety, while also emphasizing the support and training provided by the departments.
These creative approaches are crucial for fire departments facing the high operational costs associated with maintaining an all-career firehouse. By bolstering their volunteer ranks, these departments can potentially alleviate some of the financial burdens while ensuring robust emergency response capabilities. The trend reflects a broader effort within the fire service to adapt to changing demographics and economic realities, seeking sustainable solutions for volunteer recruitment and retention.
Story summarized from the original created by Laura Smythe on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
