By Vicky Taylor
The Public Opinion
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — Volunteer firefighters who serve the Shippensburg area celebrated a new joint funding agreement Monday that will provide an additional $280,000 for their operations.
Southampton townships in both Franklin and Cumberland counties and Shippensburg Borough will each provide about $70,000 this year to help the department’s three volunteer companies.
Shippensburg Township and Shippensburg University have agreed to provide another $70,000 between them.
“We are very excited about the participation of local governments,” Shippensburg Fire Chief Randy O’Donnell said. “We are pleased that they recognize the need to help maintain volunteer fire services in the community.”
Shippensburg Fire Department includes Cumberland Valley Hose Company, Vigilant Hose Company and West End Fire and Rescue Company. The department is an all-volunteer effort. It operates with community support and fundraising.
Last year, the department started working with the four municipalities and the university on a joint funding program that would help take some of the fiscal pressure off the department and its volunteers.
The department will continue to work on similar agreements going forward, O’Donnell said.
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