Shippenville Vol. Fire Department

Researched by: Amber, Class of 2004

            I sat down with Steve Merryman from the Shippenville Volunteer Fire Department and talked a little bit about the community we live in, and some of the situations the fire department is going through.

            First we talked how the area has changed and was it for the better or worse. He said “The area has become a close knit community. There have been no real drastic changes for the better or worse.”

            Then we proceeded on talking about the advancement in technology and how it has helped the fire department. “The advancement in technology has helped the fire department in ways of safety and being more efficient in ways of protection. It has helped us in a good way from the aspects of the safety factor and more efficient equipment, but with that it brings more complicated problems to deal with such as hazmat situations.” Said Steve.  

            He would like to see a change in the local fire departments as far as the Local, State, and Federal Governments supporting because the people that operate the time to raise funds to support the departments. It takes away from family time for the members who are firemen.

            If he could change one thing back to the way it used to be it would be more community involvement. In today’s society people don’t have the time to devote to community functions like they used to.    

            The fire department has made changes that has helped the community. For example they try to get people involved in community functions, support the communities young people, and try to keep updated equipment to keep up with the fire fighting aspects.

            Steve has said that the general support of the community has not improved with the times, other than trying to update water supplies and resources for the fire departments.

            The fire department has changed their methods of fire fighting to help the environment. For example hazardous spills are done in a more controlling manner to keep from damaging the environment.

            Does our community affect other surrounding communities? “Yes, we try to work closely together with surrounding communities as far as mutual aid.

            For my last question I asked him what makes it special to live in a small community. He replied “A closer relationship, knowing your neighbors and caring about your community. Smaller communities are a safer environment to raise your families, you are a person not a number.”

Merryman, Stephen. Personal interview. 4/13/02.

Designed by: Stephenie, Class of 2004