Dear Neighbors,

It is at this time the Forest Hills VFD asks our neighbors and businesses to support our fund drive. This crucial fundraiser is vital to our overall functionality. We are all coping with challenging economic times. Our operational costs and equipment needs are constantly increasing. As we all know, the Borough of Forest Hills collects a Fire Service Fee which was in part to fund the operations of the VFD; however, the purpose of these funds was changed in late 2013. In 2014, these funds were redirected to pay items that have historically been paid for from the Borough General Budget. A good portion of these items are included in our lease agreement with the borough or required by statute. There is a line item for the VFD contribution but it was drastically reduced and contradicts the original intent of the Ordinance. We are required to submit invoices and these are then to be approved by Council. This process is time consuming and takes additional resources to submit and again is done by volunteers. We have no paid staff and we have always been able to maintain our administrative functions in a timely fashion. We provided the Borough invoices on September 2^nd, and it has taken in excess of 80 days for these to be reimbursed to the VFD. No entity can survive waiting an excessive amount of time for incoming monies.

Since the inception of YOUR Volunteer Fire Department, our strong mission and core values have always been the forefront of our overall infrastructure. We are focused and committed to our community’s needs and continue to adapt to those increased demands. We must also prepare for the future by investing in the latest technologies and training to operate more safely and more efficiently. In the past the support of Borough residents, through our previous fund drives, has been very generous; and we have always been able to save for the next capital purchase, i.e. apparatus, gear and equipment. With this current process, we are going to have to use our savings to pay bills in a timely fashion before being, or even IF being, reimbursed by the Borough. In addition, the limits placed on us impede our ability to save for the future as we always have to ensure the best service to the community and safest environment for our volunteers. Our true success emanates from the support of our entire community – whether through your tax-deductible donation or the unmatched dedication and compassion of your neighbors who volunteer their time and risk their lives to protect you and your loved ones.