AÂ generational decline in volunteerism brought about a public safety crisis in Pennsylvania, with the number of volunteer firefighters reaching startling lows. More than 90 percent of the state

s fire companies are volunteer, and since the 1970

s the number of volunteer firefighters has declined by 88 percent. State officials warn the rest of the country could find themselves in a similar position very soon, as roughly 70 percent of the nation

s fire departments rely on volunteers.