STATE COLLEGE, Pa. --
The Alpha Fire Company is trying to attract more volunteers by advertising on television and radio.
"We somehow have to get people to understand if you want these services, people have to step up and volunteer," Fire Director Steven Bair told WJAC News Monday.
With the slow economy and numerous other organizations in need of volunteers, Bair launched a media blitz.
At one point, the fire company was 60 percent students, 40 percent permanent residents.
Bair said, "We're very pleased to have the students, but the downside with students is they graduate and leave, and so you always have about 25 percent of the fire company in a state of flux at any given year.
Bair said the radio and television ads seem to be reaching those permanent residents who now make up 55 percent of the 115 volunteers. He has also seen another area improve.
"In our Patton Township we've improved our response statistics through 2008 by 10 percent, and that is the direct result of filling the live-in spots out there and having more people who live in that area respond to the Patton station," said Bair.
The Department of Homeland Security awarded Alpha Fire Company the grant. Bair wants to apply to extend it this year and possibly make the campaign more regional.
