Fire departments need volunteers

Much more to do for those who don’t fight fires By Jerry Goldberg DINGMAN — “Both the Milford Fire Department and the Dingman Township Fire Department are in need of volunteers. It seems the more people that move here, the less volunteers they get,” said Dingman Supervisor’s Chair Tom Mincer earlier this month. Tom Stephenson of the Milford Fire Department reported the EMS team answered a year to date total of 490 calls of which 175 were in Dingman Township. Outside Dingman, the Milford Fire Department answered an additional 318 fire calls. Dingman funds portions of both department’s budgets. “People don’t have to go out and fight fires. There are plenty of other things they can do to help. Fundraising is very important. Volunteers help on Bingo nights, breakfast fundraisers, and with coin toss baskets as well as other jobs,” stated Mincer. Dingman Township Fire Chief Bill Mikulak reported the department is having their pancake breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 2, and expects there to be several political candidates present. Supervisor’s Vice-Chair Dennis Brink asked Mikulak if he would have enough lights for election night in case there is a late crowd. Mikulak said they will be prepared. Mincer stated he didn’t think election night would be busier than it was four years ago. Mikulak was concerned about the lack of reflective 9/11 address signs on township residential properties. He said without the reflective house number signs it is difficult to locate homes in an emergency. Town Solicitor John Klemeyer said certain communities don’t even have all their street signs in place. Dingman Township is considering an ordinance with a heavy fine for failing to post a reflective emergency house number. “After the initial fine is imposed we are going to give the homeowner 30 days to install the sign or the township will undertake the task and charge the homeowner,” Mincer had concerns as to how they can actually get the signs put up by the township. Mikulak told Mincer that he could get his fire personnel to install the signs since it would actually help them. He said, “When we respond to an emergency at a residence and I give the homeowner the emergency reflective sign order form, they tell me they don’t need it.” Mikulak said Lake Adventure and Sunrise lakes were the worst as far as 9/11 reflective signs were concerned.