by Alex Lloyd Gross
Back 30 years ago, the firehouse was the center of town. Young men ( and women) joined to fight fires, respond to emergencies and protect their communities. Joining the firehouse on your 18th birthday was a right of passage. After all, children hung around and learned from adults what to do.
It’s not the same. The numbers of people willing to walk away from a meal to investigate a fire alarm are dwindling. People are not coming to volunteer in the numbers they once were. That is why Bensalem Township has consolidated their volunteer force . It will now be known as The Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department. The township will continue to have paid crews as well, during daylight hours.
In a press release, the township said “This has been a long and arduous process that spanned more than two years. The six legacy volunteer fire companies formed a consolidation committee that worked in partnership with Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey and Deputy Director Robert Race. These
efforts were endorsed by Mayor DiGirolamo, as well as the members of Bensalem Council. The
working relationship with township officials and political support were key factors in the success of this process.”
At last night’s council meeting, the vote was unanimous to move forward with the consolidation. It is effective today. Of course, the township is still actively looking for volunteers to bolster the ranks. Interested applicants should visit one of the township’s six volunteer companies for more information. The volunteer force will be lead by Deputy Chief, Ron Harris, who has decades of experience leading the Nottingham Fire Company.