Early in the 2018-2019 school year, Fire Captain Andy Basti was interviewed by the student council and the entire student body of Schnecksville Elementary School. Basti, then Fire Lieutenant and recently promoted to Fire Captain, spoke to the students about the services provided by volunteer firefighters as well as other ways for students to volunteer within their community.

On Friday, February 22, Fire Captain Basti and Assistant Chief Mark Kaintz, Sr. returned to the school with our 2018 Smeal/Spartan Rescue Engine 2241. The students had a gift they wanted to offer the fire department. Coordinated by elementary school counselor Brandi McFarland, the student council had decided to conduct a holiday sale to help raise money. As a result of their efforts, students presented the Schnecksville Fire Department with a check for more than $550. Thank you to the students, faculty, and staff who helped make today’s gift possible!

While not everyone will want to become a volunteer firefighter, it is important to help spark interest within a young generation about providing community service. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our Contact Us page. In addition to offering the ability to become a firefighter or fire police officer, other ways to serve the community include offering simple refreshments on the fireground, helping make or serve food at our fundraising events, helping with grounds maintenance to protect the community’s investment, and helping ensure our facilities are prepared before events and restored afterward. As we are a large organization with many different areas of responsibility, everyone has a skill they can contribute. We look forward to hearing from you!