I had 23 years of service to the South Butler VFD. It has been there since 1949. It is difficult for me to comprehend that it is now gone, along with Mercer Road and Greenwood VFDs.

I was told that there are fewer than 20 volunteers for the entire township. How times have changed. I served from 1967 until 1990. At that time we had 20 to 30 firemen with just as many donating time with bingo and other fundraisers.

I am not faulting any of the people who had to make these decisions, it had to be hard. However, I do fault the young people who show no interest in volunteerism.

In their heyday the five BT fire departments were very efficient, dedicated, and they got along. Today we have Meridian, Lyndora, and Butler City responding to all calls. There are no fire trucks or stations southeast of Connoquenessing Creek in Butler Township.

This is very troubling.

I want to thank the former chiefs that I served with: Chief Smith, Butler City; Chief Black, Mercer Road; Chief O’Day, Greenwood Village; Chief Maihle, Meridian; and Chief Gavula, Lyndora.

When you were there it felt like it would never end.