A paid full-time fire chief and two part-time firefighters may be the answer to helping out the volunteer fire departments in McCandless.

Council approved a 6% increase in contributions for the town’s three volunteer fire departments — Highland, Ingomar and Peebles — with each receiving $200,000 for 2026, up from $188,000 in 2025.

However, an optional budget fund also was approved by council to help fund three new positions, if they move forward.

“How can we aid in the reduction of response times, emergency incidents in the town, as well as provide the administrative and leadership that our groups need? Remember, they have full-time jobs and (are) working part time at the fire departments,” said town Manager John Schwend.

An alternative fire budget proposes a $300,000 increase to hire a townwide full-time position of fire chief as well as two part-time firefighters who cover daylight calls, Mondays through Fridays. The chief would be hired at possibly the end of the first quarter and the part-time positions later in 2026.

“It’s a gradual step-by-step time frame,” Schwend said.

An Evaluation of Fire Services Delivery was completed in 2023. It recommended a full-time, paid fire chief to oversee the operations of the volunteer fire companies, provide the fire companies with a seat at the table with the local government and advise council in reference to future needs for additional staffing, according to the report available on the town’s website at townofmccandless.org.

The study was conducted by Nicholas Sohyda, executive fire officer and fire services consultant, at the request of the McCandless Town Council.

For now, the McCandless administration and council will continue to meet with a steering committee and the chiefs and administrators of the three fire departments.

Collaboration is necessary, Schwend said.

“In order to make sure that we implement this right, (collaboration) is very, very important,” Schwend said.

The expense is listed in the budget for 2026 so the money is available if the town moves forward with the plan.

None of the criteria for the positions has been established.

This will be a huge win for the residents of McCandless to guarantee fire protection all day, every day all year, according to Peebles Chief Matthew Williams.

“This is something we’ve been working with our town officials for a long time now. As everybody knows, the fire services across the country are in a crisis with a shortage of volunteers, and it is getting harder to retain the volunteers we have left,” Williams said.

Matthews said he and the other departments discussed with Schwend the study of the emergency services and the recommendation of a fire chief and possibly paid firefighters to help with the volunteers’ workload.

“Roughly 15 years ago, our volunteers were answering 300 to 400 calls a year. Since covid, we are now answering 1,000 to 1,500 calls a year, averaging roughly 80 to 90 fire calls a month and an additional 40 medical calls,” Williams said.

Ingomar Fire Chief Greg Quatchak agreed.

“The Ingomar fire department supports this approach. I believe this is the first logical step in transitioning McCandless to a combination fire department,” Quatchak said.

Ross Township already has put out an ad for a director of fire services for next year, Schwend said.

According to a listing on ross.pa.us, the civilian full-time managerial position will be appointed by the township commissioners.

Council President Jason Singer clarified the discussion and the need to address potential future issues.

“I think what Mr. Schwend is trying to say is we have a problem coming. We’re working through the solution to this, but, before we can even get there, we need to put money in the budget,” Singer said.

“This is just a tool in the toolbox,” Schwend said.

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