Dear Neighbor,                                                                               January 2008


With the onset of a new year, it is time to ask for your financial support.  This is our first, and hopefully our only appeal for your help in the year 2008.

We depend on you, our neighbor, for the majority of our income.  Income that is funneled back to the community by the services we provide.  Our dedicated firefighters and rescue personnel receive no payment for their service or time - time spent away from family responsibilities and activities in order to protect you!  Without your support we would cease to exist, but the sad fact remains, less than half of our residents support this fire company.

While the municipality pays our insurance premiums and furnishes the fuel for our fire vehicles, they provide no financial support for any of the Penn Hills Fire Companies.  This is why we need your help!

Just like everything else in the world today, the cost of fighting fires continues to escalate.  To properly train, equip, and outfit each firefighter to safely perform his duty costs nearly $7,000.  As is the case with your personal vehicles, fire engines age.  These massive vehicles, however, age quickly and eventually become very inefficient.  The newest fire engine that we purchased cost over $480,000.



A new 100ft aerial truck, which is sorely needed for the entire Municipality of Penn Hills, costs close to $1 Million.  With No.7 operating the only 100ft aerial truck in Penn Hills, if we don't replace this 25 year old, 100ft aerial truck soon, it will be nearly impossible for us to properly fight fires in a multi-story building (anything structure over 3 floors tall) in the ENTIRE Municipality of Penn Hills.  That should be very disconcerting to a resident in a high rise apartment and or business owners in a multi-level structure.

Homeowners and business owners, be prepared for your buildings insurance premiums to increase if our 25 year old aerial truck is no longer able to fight fires.  This effects EVERYONE in Penn Hills.

In 2004, Truck 227 was taken out of service for major overhauls.  These repairs were mandatory if we wanted to keep it operating safely.  The cost of these repairs totaled $31,000.  That money was to be used for replacement of firefighters protective equipment such as pants, jackets, gloves, and helmets.  Instead of replacing 16 sets, we were only able to replace 6 sets of personal protective equipment.

Please....don't take us for granted.  Our firefighters are willing to put their lives on the line for you, any time of the day 24/7, regardless of the weather and with no financial compensation.  The 548 people who called for help last year (a record number) never expected to need us.  Imagine if they called and no one came? ....It is our hope that you never need us, but you may have peace of mind in knowing that our assistance is available.  Assistance that is backed by modern and  properly maintained equipment, continuous personnel training and practice.  We are proud to provide you with a knowledgeable and a modern volunteer fire department.  Won't you take a minute now to write a check for us.  It is deeply appreciated.

May the new year be a safe and prosperous one for you and your family.

Sincerely,

The Members and Families of Penn Hills No.7 Volunteer Fire Company