Increase firefighter staffing in Springettsbury, Spring Garden, and Manchester Townships.

Springettsbury Township Stations are UNDERSTAFFED by (4) Firefighters

Spring Garden Township Stations are UNDERSTAFFED by (7) Firefighters

Manchester Township Stations are UNDERSTAFFED by (4) Firefighters

National Standards are (4) personnel at a minimum

York Area United Fire & Rescue want us to have (3)

(2) is our minimum...

As firefighters serving the communities of Springettsbury, Spring Garden, and Manchester Townships, we can personally attest to the critical nature of having adequate staffing for emergency responses. Every call we respond to affects not only our safety but also the safety of the citizens we serve. We know what the job requires, how many hands it truly takes, and unfortunately, what it feels like to be short-staffed when lives are on the line.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a minimum of four firefighters on all response unit for effective incident management. However, our current staffing levels fall short of this, posing additional risks during fire and medical emergencies.

Understaffing means fewer firefighters on the initial response team, and can lead to critical tasks taking longer to complete, potentially resulting in delayed interventions that can increase property loss and, most crucially, endanger both firefighters and citizens. Our response times and the efficiency of our coordination have direct impacts on the effectiveness of emergency management and the outcomes for those in need.

For citizens, this issue is equally personal. Your safety depends on how quickly and effectively we can respond to your calls for help. More personnel equate to quicker response times, better coordination, and improved chances of saving lives and property.

We urge the local government and responsible entities to take immediate action to rectify this staffing shortage. By increasing the number of firefighters available per shift, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our community while adhering to the recommended safety standards.

If you're a resident, business owner, or tax payer in any of the (3) Townships, please join us in advocating for safer, more effective emergency response services by signing this petition. Your support is crucial for the wellbeing of our firefighters and the safety of our community. The elected officials say we need the communities support to be safe. Help make us and you safer!