FFD Annual Fund Drive
The Freeland Fire Department is again conducting its Annual Fund Drive which provides for a majority of its operating capital for the organization each year. The past two years have been challenging due to the effects of the pandemic and the Department members have adapted to the changing environment which has affected us all. Being creative the organization has been able to develop additional fund-raising events while restarting many of the programs that have provided us with our necessary funding over many years. This has allowed us to continue to offer the level of services that the residents and businesses have come to expect. However, a major part of those funds come from you, for without you we would not have the ability to acquire the funds needed to sustain our operational effectiveness.
The Department is again requesting you to exam what emergency services means to your lives and businesses and honestly determine what a fair contribution can be donated at this time. For 139 years we have been providing the residents and businesses of the area with continuous fire protection and have always answered the call to duty when you are in need. Now during these challenging times, we are requesting the commitment of all of you to the Department just as our firefighters commit their lives to your protection every day.
As in the past years the Department has demonstrated its dedication to you by responding to over 200 incidents which tested the determination and abilities of its firefighters. Working structure fires in the borough and surrounding communities again exhibited the training and dedication of Department firefighters and Mutual Aid partners. The recent fire in the 200 block of Ridge St. demonstrated this as firefighters responded to two multiple occupancy structures with confirmed entrapment and heavy fire involvement. We also continue to assist our emergency medical services partners to provide care to those who were in need. Our firefighters responded in the cold and heat, sun and rain, snow and sleet, and always were there to assist those we serve.
The Department continues their training program which is based on reviewing the basics in order to maintain proficiency in performing the tasks which are required to control many of the incidents we respond to. Also, the Department has reinstituted PA State Local Level Training to the program which provides our firefighters with recognized training. This year included the recertification of the Department by the PA Office of the Fire Commissioner as a Bronze Certification Department for having over 50% of our firefighters attaining at least Pro Board Firefighter 1. Currently the department has 20 firefighters who have attained Firefighter 1 with some attaining Firefighter 2 and Driver/Operator Aerial or Pumper Certification. The ISO Rating of 3 is also being maintained. This is a component in the determination of property insurance premiums in the community which displays the commitment of FFD, Freeland Municipal Authority, and Freeland Borough Government to provide quality emergency services.
The residents and businesses in our communities have always been so generous to the Department and have always “answered the bell” when we requested their donations. We know that this will continue and hopefully increase as many realize the challenge emergency services currently face.
If you would desire to be involved in this rewarding volunteer service you can do so by contacting us at (570) 636-3244. We always need firefighters, fire police, and support personnel. Visit our web site www.freelandfiredepartment.com or our Facebook page for additional information about our Fire Department
The Freeland Fire Department will conduct a hoagie sale on Sunday, January 29. The hoagies are available as plain, onions, sweet peppers, and the works. Orders need to be placed by Tuesday, January 24 and can be ordered with any firefighter or by calling the station at 570-636-3244. Deliveries are available. Please be advised the price per hoagie remains at $5. Also note lettuce as an ingredient will be suspended for this sale.
Freeland Fire Department ISO Class 3
ISO is an acronym for Insurance Service Organization.
ISO rates fire departments on a scale of 1 through 10.
10 being the worst level of fire protection,and with 1 being the best.
ISO then publishes this rating to insurance carriers.
Many insurance companies use the ISO scale in determining rates for homeowner’s insurance.
As a matter of reference, out of 2,392 fire departments in Pennsylvania, only 155 are rated as Class 3. Also, only 16 departments are rated higher than 3.
Communities are rated from 1 -10 with one being the best and 10 allowing for no credit for fire service.
Statistical data on insurance losses bear out the relationship between excellent fire protection and low fire losses. By classifying a community’s ability to suppress fires, ISO helps the communities evaluate their public fire protection services.
The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training. By securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.
The Freeland Fire Department is committed to saving lives and property by training firefighters, providing proper equipment, and an adequate supply of water provided by the Freeland Municipal Authority..
Members of the FFD and the FMA are understandably proud that their hard work has paid off.
© 2023 FREELAND FIRE DEPARTMENT