Freeport Volunteer Fire Department members, from left, Jim Negley, Betty Fitzgerald, Jeff Weaver and Tim Sweeny stand Tuesday at the borough's fire station. The department is down to just eight active members.

FREEPORT — Like many other volunteer departments in the state, the Freeport Volunteer Fire Department is hurting for members.

“Nobody has the right answer other than going paid, which most towns can’t afford,” said Chief Jeff Weaver.

Right now, the department has just eight active members.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Weaver said the department’s bylaws did not allow there to be any more than 50 members. At that time, he said many people applied to be members and were put on a waiting list.

“That’s not the situation now,” Weaver said.

In the past, three departments would respond to calls for structure fires. Now, Weaver said six departments get called to respond.

“There is just no manpower anymore,” Weaver said.

For fire calls during the day, when nonretired members are working, only two volunteers on average show up.

The department recently sent out its annual letter asking for donations. It mentioned the necessity for volunteers. Included in the envelope was a membership application.

Weaver said the department sent out about 1,000 applications with the hope of getting maybe one or two back.

He said anyone can apply to be a member. The department provides training for anyone who wants to go into firefighting, and there is a junior program for youths ages 14 and up. Weaver said the department also needs members to help with social functions and fundraising.

“There are all kinds of jobs for everyone,” Weaver said. “Every little bit helps.”

Weaver said the department responds to 90 to 100 calls per year on average. It responds in the borough as well as South Buffalo Township and Allegheny Township in Armstrong County, Buffalo Township in Butler County and Harrison Hills in Allegheny County.

So far this year, the department has gone to 87 calls.

People interested in joining can call the firehouse at 724-295-2300 or visit the fire hall at 400 Market St.

Realizing the need for more volunteer firefighters, the Cranberry Community Chest last year led a countywide campaign to spotlight that need and to raise funds to help.

It raised nearly $400,000 for two projects.

One was to buy two fire training trailers to be used to train firefighters and to educate the public about fire safety.

And it established scholarships at Butler County Community College for any students who also volunteer with a county fire department.

Five BC3 students received those scholarships this semester.

Those scholarships are to give an additional incentive for younger people to help their fire departments.