SEPTEMBER SNAPSHOT | HIGHLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTSeptember brought an increased call volume for HVFD, with our volunteers responding to 103 calls for service throughout the month. Here’s a look at the department’s activity and the commitment behind those responses:103 Calls for Service2.62 Average Responders per Call25.24% of calls were within our fire district83.49% of calls occurred within the Town of McCandless17 Members completed 121.5 hours of training11 Members completed 25 detail hours108 Hours of staffing for the monthBehind every call are volunteers balancing work, family, and other responsibilities while remaining available to serve our community. In addition to responding to emergencies, our members dedicate time to training, staffing, and maintaining the readiness needed to respond when called upon.An increase in call volume means an increased demand on our volunteers and the time they dedicate to protecting our community. These numbers reflect not only the department’s activity, but also the ongoing commitment required to provide volunteer fire protection.Thank you to our members for their continued service and dedication, and to our community for supporting the volunteers who answer the call.
National First Responders Day | October 28Today, we recognize and thank our brothers and sisters in the first responder community who stand alongside us in service to others.In McCandless and the surrounding communities, we are fortunate to work alongside fellow firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and 911 dispatchers who share a common commitment: helping our neighbors when they need us most.Serving alongside these men and women is an honor. Whether we are training together, responding to emergencies, or assisting one another across departments and communities, we know that we are stronger when we work together.To our brothers and sisters who answer the call, stand ready to help, and dedicate their time and service to protecting others — thank you. We are proud to serve alongside you, and we are grateful for the teamwork, trust, and camaraderie that make our shared mission possible.Today, we honor you. Every day, we are proud to stand beside you.When seconds matter, we answer the call — together.
TRAINING TOGETHER. SERVING TOGETHER.In McCandless, we’re fortunate to have three volunteer fire departments working to keep our community safe. While each department has its own primary response area, our firefighters regularly assist throughout McCandless and in neighboring communities whenever the need arises.Every Tuesday night, our departments train to stay ready. But there’s something especially valuable about getting hands-on training together as a fire community.Tonight, all three McCandless fire departments came together at the County Fire Academy for vehicle fire training. These opportunities allow our firefighters to sharpen their skills, practice working alongside one another, and prepare for the real-life incidents where teamwork matters most.And yes, our volunteers train at the same type of academy and work through the same hands-on training as our paid brothers and sisters in the city. Because when the call comes in, preparation matters — no matter how our departments are staffed.Three departments. One community. One shared mission.
PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEW MEMBERS!Tuesday night was a busy one for Highland’s Executive Board as we met with prospective members!Please welcome our three new Junior Members, Santino S., Colby G., and Mackenzie W., along with experienced firefighter Brandon Hillard.Two of our Junior Members have already shown their interest in the fire service by participating in Franklin Park’s Firefighter for a Day, an event we’re proud to help support.Mackenzie, daughter of the late Matt Wagner, a Highland Life Member, is not pictured.Welcome to the HVFD family! We’re excited to have you on board!
🎁🚒 IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! 🎄The McCandless Fire Departments are proud to host our 11th Annual Toys for Tots Collection! ❤️Help us bring a little extra Holiday magic to local children in need! The Toys for Tots program serves children from **newborn through teens**, helping make the holiday season brighter for families in our community.🎁 HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP:🚒 Tuesday evenings in November | 6–7 PMDrop off an unwrapped gift at any McCandless fire department.🎄 November 27–29 | 9 AM–6 PMFind us in the Pine Creek Target parking lot at 9805 McKnight Road.❤️ A FEW IMPORTANT DONATION GUIDELINES:* All toys must be new and unwrapped.* No stuffed animals, please.* Toys that look like real weapons cannot be accepted.* Gifts containing food cannot be accepted.Shopping for teens? Great options include sporting equipment, books, backpacks, purses, bath gift sets, board games, remote-control cars, handheld electronics, skateboards, bicycles, hair styling tools, and more!For 11 years, our community has helped make this tradition possible, and we’re excited to keep the spirit of giving going!Thank you for supporting local children and helping make the Holidays a little brighter for those who need it most. ❤️Let’s make our 11th year another successful one, McCandless! 🎁🚒#ToysForTots #McCandless #CommunityStrong #SeasonOfGiving