LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — As the sirens fill the streets of Ashley Borough, volunteer firefighters are always ready for the call.
Chief Wes Saltz has been on duty for 35 years.
"A lot has changed. the number of volunteers is probably about 25% of what it used to be from when I first started. the demands on the departments are very different," said Chief Wes Saltz, Ashley Borough Fire Department.
But one thing that hasn't changed.
An outdated Pennsylvania Gaming law that limits the way volunteer fire departments can run fundraisers and raffles.
"I've been here since the old days where you used to hold the boot out in the middle of traffic," said Deputy Chief Tony Ranieli, Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Current law prohibits fire departments from accepting cashless payments like credit cards or apps like Venmo.
Officials say it hinders ticket sales for fundraisers and bazaars like the one the Ashley Fire Department relies on year after year.
"In a small department and a small community, everyone knows the same people. So, you're taking one ticket, and they're like, 'Well, I already bought them off of your buddy.' So, it's really hard. It'd be a lot easier if we can put it out there on social media," said Chief Saltz.
It's the same issue for all volunteer departments, no matter the size.
In Pittston Township, the volunteer fire department hosts many raffles on its Facebook page but can only accept cash or checks for payments.
A bill introduced in the state house would change that for those with small chance gaming licenses.
"Being able to run an online raffle and online payments pretty much affords us an opportunity at any time. Someone scrolling their phone at 11 o'clock at night could purchase a ticket or make a donation," said Deputy Chief Ranieli.
Both departments agree this change could help keep the lights on and lighten the load on volunteers.
"It takes a lot of pressure off of people. you're not asking that person to go out on a call in the middle of the day and then go home and get something to eat to then turn around and sell tickets or go out and set up for a fundraising event. So you're limiting and taking the time that you need them to be firemen," said Chief Saltz.
Making sure those who serve can be ready for the call.