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by Lesley Misko
Like volunteer fire and rescue services throughout the area, the Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue (GFR) is hoping to motivate residents to contribute two things: monetary donations and volunteerism.
During 2025 volunteers responded to 312 emergency calls that included structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical problems, fire alarms, and public service calls. GFR costs include rising fuel prices, training, protective gear, insurance, apparatus, lifesaving equipment and ever-increasing costs for everything. According to GFR, “A single set of turnout gear can cost over $3,500.”
Andrew Duncan, Fire Chief at GFR, says, “Donations help maintain and repair fire trucks and other emergency equipment, purchase lifesaving tools and protective gear, provide training for volunteers, keep the fire station operational and ready to respond.”
The need for volunteers is as great as the need for monetary donations.
Recently named Boyertown area Outstanding First Responder of 2026, Jarid Miller, 27-year firefighter volunteer with the Boyertown Area Fire and Rescue puts it out there bluntly, “We’re very hurting for people right now.” He talks about the circumstances that have created a volunteer shortage. [If you missed our interview with Jarid Miller, you can click here to read it.] Though Miller is with the Boyertown group, the shortages in volunteers are universal.
Donations to Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue can be made at www.gilbertsvillefireandrescue.org. Chief Duncan also invites those who might be interested in volunteering to stop by, ask questions, and learn about the department. Their doors are open every Thursday night at 6:30.
More News from Boyertown
- Saturday, May 2, 2026: Preston's Pantry Food Drive & Community Day Preston's Pantry Project & Community Day 2026 provides a fun-filled day for the community and much needed assistance to area families struggling with food insecurity.
- April 27: One-a-Day in Celebration of National Poetry Month Romantic poet William Wordsworth offers inspiration: ordinary moments in nature, in plain language, of the essential passions of common men and women.
