Volunteer firefighters battle flames on Lake Emily Rd. in Amherst last April. (Metro Wire photo)

Column: Local fire/EMS departments, others, can’t survive without volunteers

By Michael Witte

I am sure you are asking yourself, why does Portage County need you?

We need you in so many ways, but it is not just you — we need you to share this with co-workers, friends, and family!

We have needs in our community, and organizations are seeking help and support in many areas.

First and foremost, are you aware that we need volunteer firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) throughout Portage County? We have several small departments that need your help:

PLEASE consider answering the call and being that person who steps up and says, “Enough sitting on the sidelines. Put me in, Chief! I want to be part of doing something special for my community!”

Maybe firefighting or EMS is not your thing. Please consider impacting the lives of children and young adults in our community! How? Become a BIG—that’s right, Big Brothers and Big Sisters have well over 70 kids who need both men and women to step up and give some of their time to impact their lives!

Even here at the Portage County Business Council, we are looking for volunteers for our Partners in Education (PIE) programming. We work with six different school districts, bringing business-relevant programming through speakers, tours, and involved activities to prepare them for their future in our community.

Maybe you have an interest in history. Then what better place to put your interest to work than by volunteering with the Portage County Historical Society? They are looking for volunteers at all properties, from Heritage Park in Plover to the Historic Firehouse #2, the Beth Israel Synagogue Museum, or the Rising Star Mill in Nelsonville.

If you are seeking other opportunities to volunteer in our community but the ones mentioned here do not pique your interest, then, by all means, reach out to the Volunteer Center at the United Way of Portage County by contacting Stephany Nellessen Zeyadeh by calling her at (715) 341-6740 or emailing her at [email protected].

Still not sure what to do with your talents, or not sure how to approach this with your staff, friends, or family? Contact me here at the Business Council, and I can come and meet with a group or one-on-one. YOU ARE NEEDED to continue making Portage County a great place to live, work, and thrive!

Stay Tuned . . . . .”

Michael Witte is the executive director of the Portage County Business Council. He can be reached at 715-344-1940.