Staffing 200 hours of volunteer firefighters at the Little League World Series, plus additional staff at the South Williamsport Fire Department, would not be possible without some careful planning and extra assistance.

For Chief Jeff Trammell, of the South Williamsport Fire Department, planning starts in February or March each year.

“Every year, I put the call out to the departments,” Trammell said.

He starts with the chiefs, deputies, officers and captains, “because the volunteers are taxed as it is.”

Trammell is responsible for coordinating the firefighter schedules. Each year, he asks for help from fire departments he trusts, with some participants as close as Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Department and some as far away as Harrisburg this year, so there are still enough firefighters in case of any emergencies away from the Little League World Series complex.

Last Tuesday, while people gathered in Williamsport for the Grand Slam parade, area firefighters worked on the mountain fire in South Williamsport, which gave the volunteers a chance to work without gawkers getting in the way, he said.

“It’s hard to find people here,” Trammell said. “We don’t want to take from other stations. We want them to focus on outside emergencies.”

During the games, volunteers can be seen driving around in UTVs that are capable of fighting fires. The firefighters also carry their own turnout gear.

“It’s a proactive measure in case something happens,” Trammell said.

Should a fire occur at the Series, the firefighters on hand can start handling it until an outside crew can get there.

“The main reason they are there is in case a fire starts,” Trammell said. “There’s always the potential there.”

While a fire never has happened at the World Series under Trammell’s command, which has been the last three years, he still wants to be prepared. In the past, there have been grill fires, which led to changing where they keep fire extinguishers.

“We talk about what’s happened in the past and how we can learn from that the next year,” Trammell said.

Volunteer firefights are most visible after the last game has ended for the day when they control the traffic lights to help with everyone exiting the stadium.

In addition to fighting fires and controlling traffic, the volunteer firefighters just assist however they can, Trammell said. One year, he helped hose off a muddy road across from Little League. They have also helped with transport down the stairs, cardiac arrests and injuries on the hill.

“Whatever needs done,” Trammell said.

They also are always on hand when EMS crews assist. The EMS crews receive more than 50 calls a day, he said. Many of those calls are heat related.

One of the ways people can help the EMS and firefighter volunteers is to stay hydrated.

“Hydration is not something you want to do the day of the game,” Trammell said. “Start a day or two prior.”

Water is best. Sports drinks, not to be confused with energy drinks, are good to replenish electrolytes, but you don’t want to drink too many. Sodas and teas don’t help with hydration, he said.

“Make sure you’re hydrated,” Trammell said.

He also suggested dressing appropriately for the weather and being careful, especially when going down the hill — whether people are young or old.

“Little League brings out the kid in everyone,” said Trammell, who has gone down the hill and said he probably would again if he was asked.

Another way people can help is to volunteer themselves, he said.

“Fill out an application,” Trammell said. “It’s not just running into burning buildings. … Just be a part of the family we’re trying to create,” Trammell said.

If you can’t volunteer time, money is also appreciated.

“Donate to your local firefighter,” Trammell said. “Municipalities do what they can, but they’re not a fix-all.”

Trammell’s goal is to be able to furnish their own fully-equipped UTV, rather than have to borrow from other places, which puts those stations down a vehicle. That can cost between $30,000 to $80,000, he said.

“South Williamsport does so much for Little League, we want to have something with our name on it,” Trammell said.