CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. -- 

Two area volunteer fire companies that are struggling with a lack of manpower have decided that a consolidation is the only way to save both.

The consolidation of Southmont and Upper Yoder fire departments is not officially a done deal just yet, but when an alarm goes off, the two departments are already responding to calls together.

The chiefs of both departments told 6 News that the transition process is going well and they've studied other fire department consolidations statewide. What's different about Southmont and Upper Yoder is the two departments are financially sound. However, manpower is low.


"Our primary purpose is because of manpower. As a volunteer service, it's tough to recruit and tough to retain, and by working together and coming together as one larger group, we're pooling our resources together to be able to provide better fire protection," said Upper Yoder Fire Chief Tim Reitz.

The chiefs said without consolidation, firefighting would be extremely difficult at times. Already, their manpower usually doubles during emergencies, and response times have improved when seconds count.


Southmont Fire Chief Mike Leckey said, "It's definitely going to reduce costs. Initially, you're not going to see significant savings. There will be some savings to both departments, but in long-term plans, we would like to be in one building, which the residents in each municipality will see significant savings."

The consolidation is expected to be official in June 2012, when the two departments will roll under one name: Southern Cambria Emergency Services.