Ferndale firefighters earn ‘gold’ rating

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December 20, 2009

By MIKE FAHER The Tribune-Democrat Sun Dec 20, 2009, 11:07 PM EST

JOHNSTOWN — Ferndale Borough hosts one of the 2,354 volunteer fire companies in Pennsylvania.

But the community’s fire company now has joined an elite club: It is one of only 11 volunteer outfits statewide that has received a “gold” rating from the Pennsylvania fire commissioner.

The award means that, after many hours of training and testing, all 20 of Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company’s active members have achieved various levels of national professional fire certification.

“This is very prestigious for a department that is all volunteer,” said Tracie Young-Brungard, who manages the State Fire Academy Certification Program.

The certification program is voluntary, and officials say it is aimed at identifying firefighters “whose accomplishments in training and education meet or exceed nationally recognized standards.”

Participation is time-consuming, with training leading to a written test and a full day of skills testing, Young-Brungard said.

“They might spend up to 80 hours in a prep class,” she said.

Bill Cornell, who has served as Ferndale’s fire chief since 1995, said achieving the “gold” standard has long been one of his goals for the company.

Cornell said the recognition from state Fire Commissioner Ed Mann is a “great accomplishment” for the 104-year-old company.

“It’s showing the public that we take our job seriously,” Cornell said.

One other fire organization in Cambria County has achieved a gold rating. That’s Johnstown Fire Department, which is the county’s only paid, full-time department.

Officials said 34 of Cambria County’s 45 fire organizations participate in the program. Eighteen have certified at least

10 percent of their members; 10 companies have achieved 50 percent certification; and four are at the 75-percent level.

Statewide, only 40 of the 566 departments that participate in the certification program have reached the gold level. And only 11 of those – including Ferndale – are made up entirely of volunteer firefighters.

Cornell said he expects Ferndale to maintain its rating because all new members will be required to become certified within two years.

“It’s about making sure you have the correct training,” he said.

However, making time for training also has become increasingly difficult for fire companies that rely solely on volunteers.

Many are struggling with declining membership and skyrocketing costs.

That means the members who remain must spend more of their time trying to scratch together enough cash to keep a fire company running.

Ferndale is no exception. Cornell said he would like to replace a 21-year-old engine but isn’t sure whether the company can afford it.

Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company also is well-known for its annual jubilee; the 2010 festival will mark the festival’s 80th anniversary. But Cornell said the fundraiser is a huge undertaking.

“It takes about 100 people a day to make sure that thing works, and to keep that kitchen open 24 hours a day,” he said. “It’s getting harder and harder.”

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