Volunteer fire companies and ambulance corps are facing a problem that can’t be ignored for much longer.

The people who answer a pager at 2 a.m., run from the dinner table if they get a call, potentially miss holidays with the family and spend countless hours in training and fundraising are getting harder to come by.

It’s nothing new. Across the state, volunteer numbers have been dwindling for decades while numbers of emergency calls, training requirements and public expectations keep on growing.

There’s been a lot of talk about the problem, but not much has happened in the way of solutions.

Recently, though, government at two levels are showing some movement in that direction.

Close to home, Jim Thorpe updated its volunteer firefighter tax credit program.

And in Harrisburg, lawmakers OK’d changes that make it easier for junior firefighters and emergency responders to be a part of training and service activities.

The moves won’t solve anything overnight, but at least they recognize the reality of the situation.

If we want to have volunteers tomorrow, we need to show some love to the volunteers of today.

Jim Thorpe’s decision deserves some kudos because it shows how volunteer services have changed.

Their new policy dictates that volunteers must respond to at least 30% of emergency calls — up from 20% — while continuing to meet training and service requirements. In addition, the borough reduced the minimum years of experience to qualify for a tax credit from five years to three.

While some might focus on tighter participation rules, others might see a shorter wait for the tax credit incentive as being worthwhile.

After all, in these times when recruiting volunteers is getting harder, asking someone to wait five years before any type of reward or recognition can feel like a lifetime.

Three years, too, is a hefty commitment. There’s still a need for a genuine investment of time and resources.

But it shows volunteers that their community values their service and encourages a longer investment into a local fire department.

Though the tax credit might be easy to dismiss as a symbol, it’s a good bet that nobody joins a volunteer fire department to get rich.

Sometimes, there’s a lot to be said for symbols.

Giving those tax credits tells volunteers what the community is saying.

Things like “We see what you’re doing” and “We appreciate your time and sacrifices” come to mind.

For someone juggling a job, a family and countless hours at the station, it’s the kind of message that matters.

The tax credit won’t solve manpower shortages, but its goal is simple.

People who feel appreciated are more likely to stay involved than people who feel taken for granted.

For a long time, some communities have assumed that volunteers will just keep walking in the door because that’s the way it’s always been.

But local fire departments know better.

All the good feelings can’t combat aging memberships and tougher demands.

Local governments need to support their volunteers in any way possible.

In a small way, Jim Thorpe is working toward that. The credit is a practical, measured move and shows that keeping volunteers is just as important as finding new ones.

State lawmakers are focusing on some new recruits.

Changing child labor laws opens the potential for new, young volunteers by setting a 10 p.m. curfew for teens with parental consent. It allows junior firefighters to ride in emergency vehicles while being a part of activities that are age appropriate.

It doesn’t put young people in danger and keeps existing safety rules in place,

It does, however, remove some obstacles.

One of those young folks become tomorrow’s lieutenant or fire chief, or even an EMS captain.

In my experience, I’ve come to know many volunteers who started as teens hanging around the firehouse. It’s where they learned responsibility, teamwork and a sense of being part of something larger than themselves.

Those lessons are hard to teach if teens are limited by rules that don’t fit how emergency responders work.

Volunteer fire departments aren’t struggling because youngsters have no interest. They’re struggling because those youngsters are being pulled in more directions than ever before.

Making it easier for young people to get involved increases chances they stay involved and someday step into leadership roles.

That’s why the decisions in Jim Thorpe and Harrisburg matter.

One helps those who serve. The other helps build the next generation of responders.

Neither move made major headlines. There was no battle and no promise of a miracle solution.

Together, they’re a classic example of common sense.

If our communities want volunteers to answer a call, communities have to answer theirs.

Maybe it’s a tax credit. Maybe it’s changing the rules. And maybe it’s simply seeing that the future depends on today’s choices.

It’s happening in Jim Thorpe and Harrisburg.

Other municipalities might want to pay attention.

ED SOCHA | tneditor@tnonline.com

Ed Socha is a retired newspaper editor with more than 45 years’ experience in community journalism.

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.