Bensalem Opens New Public Safety Annex
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Yesterday, Bensalem Twp. Fire Rescue had their equipment spread throughout the township. Now, “Everything is in one place, our engines, a marine unit, all of it is here,” said Bensalem Fire Chief Mark Antozzeski. He was referring to a new annex building located next to the Rescue Squad.
This building is essentially a pole barn. “It’s new, there was nothing there before we built it,” said Bill McVey, Director Of Public Safety for the township. It cost about $640,000 and has an overhang built inside that can store additional equipment, like thermal camera, bunker gear for example. There are a couple of offices used by the fire officers.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to announce to the public and media what the building can be used for. It is not going to house police cars. It will be home to the command bus and maybe one ambulance in addition to the fire trucks..
It certainly makes sense to have all of the assets under one roof, as opposed to having firefighters staged through the township. The township is also served by dedicated volunteers that respond with the paid department. They will also respond exclusively during nights and weekends.
The ribbon cutting was attended by Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, Bensalem Township Council, and Bensalem Township Public Safety Officials