But help may be on the way via a $100 million statewide referendum that appears on Tuesday's ballot. With a yes or no to the ballot question, Pennsylvania voters can authorize the legislature to borrow the money to support local fire and emergency medical services.

Passing the referendum won't bring the money immediately into local communities, but it will give the state the option to borrow the money to support the departments.

"It's been too long coming," said George Benninghoff, Fredonia's fire chief for more than 30 years. "They should have done this before. We have enough problem getting people to find time for training. Then expecting them to find time to raise money is just too much."

The Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department, which comprises about 15-18 active volunteers, supports itself with tax dollars from Fredonia, Fairview Township and Delaware Township, which also supports the Transfer Volunteer Fire Department. But more than half of Fredonia's budget comes from concession sales at Fredonia Old Home Week and an annual flier asking for donations.

"We would still do the fundraiser if we got state funds, but it would make our job an awful lot easier because there wouldn't be the constant worry that if it rains during Old Home Week, it will wreck our budget," Benninghoff said.

Transfer Volunteer Fire Department has had to come up with some creative ways to raise money beyond the tax dollars it receives from Pymatuning and Delaware Townships. While the department sends out annual donation requests and participates in the Harvest Home Fair, it also sells bingo cards at Reynolds Drive- In. The numbers are announced to movie-goers over the car speakers.

"Its a pretty decent fund-raiser," said Transfer Fire Chief Phillip Steele, president of the Mercer County Fire Chiefs' Association.

"We need all the help we can get to buy a $250,000 fire truck. Our primary attack engine is 27 years old."

Steele added that the Transfer substation is also in need of insulation and other general upkeep. The Transfer Volunteer Fire Department is made up of about 40 members.

The cost of state-mandated training and keeping fire gear and equipment up to date is also a big concern to local departments.

"Cost of equipment, insurance - it's a never-ending battle," said Benninghoff. "It costs $1,500 to put gear on a guy."

Though the referendum is not supposed to increase taxes, local fire officials agree that somehow taxpayers will end up paying for at least a portion of it.

"There is no Santa Claus," Benninghoff said. "It always comes from taxpayers, but I'm a taxpayer, too. If the state is going to make all of these requirements, they need to come up with some money for it."

Fire Marshal and Hermitage Fire Chief Robert Goeltz said it's possible the state might take some money from social service agencies, but local departments need to "sell a hell of a lot of hoagies to buy a new fire engine."

"Ultimately, I believe the money will come from the taxpayers, no matter how we incur the debt," said Steele. "But local departments need assistance to provide the best fire protection we can for the communities we serve."