Aug 21, 2013 By At First Glance, The Request For Money Appears To Be Double-Dipping As Members Of The Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Department Have 2 min read

But wait.

The increase in real estate taxes to fund the fire department does not take effect until 2014 and, until then, the firefighters need operating expenses like buying new equipment and paying for fuel.

When the tax increase is implemented, it won’t just be a pool of fresh money for the firefighters to enjoy. The municipality will be in charge of the money and, basically, on how it will be spent.

The aged fire hall on Brightwood Road will be demolished and a new building will be constructed using money from a recently-approved bond issue, that, eventually, will be paid with the .34-mill increase.

So, to the property owners in Bethel Park, don’t turn down any requests for donations from the firemen. They have a tough job — fighting dangerous fires, responding to accident scenes, training and always having their hands out for money.

Instead of complaining about their numerous requests for money, thank them for their untiring service to the community and drop a few dollars in their outstretched hands. If your home ever catches on fire, you’ll be glad the firefighters have the most up-to-date training and equipment.

And even if you turn a deaf ear on the request for money, feeling enough is enough, don’t worry, the firefighters don’t keep track of who gives and who complains. They respond to every emergency.