CTFD

In 2008, the five fire companies of Cheltenham Township pooled their resources to create the CTFD and apply to the federal government for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Department of Homeland Security. They were successful in receiving a four year grant for recruitment and retention of firefighters for the Township fire service. The grant included funds for disability insurance, recruitment advertising, certified training reimbursement for the members, service awards and administrative services. Following the completion of the first year, an amendment was submitted to modify certain components of their campaign based on their experience. Additional recruitment activities were approved while staying within the original mission parameters and fiscal award. They have added a recruitment website, videos for cable TV advertising and presentations, a fire call rewards program as a retention incentive, leadership seminars for the advancement of the members and printed materials for recruitment activities. CTFD is presently planning the rollout of these new recruitment campaign activities and will increase their exposure to the candidates they are seeking.