Though the normal job of volunteer firefighters is to put out fires, two state lawmakers were at the Sharpsville fire station Monday to turn up the heat on their colleagues to help fund volunteer fire departments.

Fanning the flames were state Reps. Michael C. Gruitza, Hermitage, D-7th District, and Timothy Solobay, a Washington County Democrat.

They are pushing for $45 million to be added to the state's 2001 budget to give each department about $15,000 for operating expenses. Solobay, who will introduce a bill later this week, said the Legislature failed to include any fire department funding in the budget.

"They went after the group that does the most for taxpayers for what it would cost. They called it a luxury in the budget...I consider that a necessity," Solobay said.

In 2000, state lawmakers gave volunteer fire departments $25 million for improvements with the assumption that the program would continue. Until seven months ago, $40 million was the amount bandied about for this year's appropriation, Solobay said.

But in budget adopted last month, the funding amounted to zero, he said.

"Since 90 percent of the fire departments in the state are volunteer, it is probably going to have an impact on you," said Solobay, who has been a volunteer firefighter in Cannonsburg for 24 years and is assistant chief there.

"The dollars saved by our good volunteers has to run into the millions," added Gruitza. "Harrisburg has sent the wrong message to those who are in the trenches. It's a really important issue that affects all of our communities."

Local volunteer firefighters agreed.

"It sure puts a dent in our morale," said South Pymatuning Township Chief Jerry Zahniser. "It seems like the governor doesn't feel like we're that important."

Jim Reda, Hermitage's deputy chief, said none of the 25 volunteer stations in Mercer County will close for lack of funding, which amounted to about $10,000 per department last year, but many future plans may be put on hold.

"A lot of volunteer fire departments would have used the money to pay down their debts. It's a disappointment when you get something and hope it continues on and it doesn't," Reda said.

"Last year was an election year. It makes you wonder if it was just put on to get the votes," said Andy Totin, Sharpsville fire chief. "I'm happy to see it's not a dead issue, though." Sharpsville upgraded its radio system with last year's money.

"Some departments will have to increase their fund raising, or start it back up now that this money isn't coming," Reda said.