Fire Chief Retires In Hatboro After 35 Years Of Service

HATBORO, PA —Pete Croak is hanging up his white helmet.

After 35 years of service to Hatboro and neighboring Warminster Township, Croak retired this week as the fire chief of the Enterprise Fire Company of Hatboro.

"On behalf of the Borough Council, Mayor (Tim) Schultz, Borough Staff, and the residents of Hatboro, join us in sending a big thank you and congratulations to our Fire Chief Pete Croak," borough officials said in a Facebook post. "Pete has proudly served our community as chief as well as other positions within our fire company, at the same time while working a full-time job and raising a family."

Croak will be replaced by Fire Chief Fred Zollers and his line officers. Zollers has served as a fire chief and is a company life member.

Borough officials said Croak was often first on the scene of a fire and sacrificed a lot of personal and work time in doing so.

"This is all volunteer time," officials said. "This was a lot of missed family outings, time from work, and all hours of the day and night. If you listened to the radio, in most cases the first thing you heard after dispatch was Chief 95 is responding."

Officers and members of the Enterprise Fire Company also recognized Croak for his "outstanding service and leadership."

"Your dedication to keeping our community safe has not gone unnoticed and we are forever grateful for your hard work and commitment," the department said in a statement. "Thank you for your tireless efforts and for setting a strong foundation for the future of the Enterprise Fire Company. Your legacy will always be remembered and we are truly grateful for your service."

The Warminster Fire Department also thanked Croak for his service.

In a Facebook post, the department said its officers and members offered congratulations to Croak.

"Pete has proudly served the region as a chief and administrative officer for both Hatboro and Warminster for over 35 years and though he is hanging up his white hat, I imagine we are going to continue seeing him driving the trucks for a while longer."

Borough officials noted the sacrifices not just by Croak, but also by his family.

"We often thank the person who gives so much, often forgetting the family who is left behind. A big thank you goes to his wife Cindy and family for sharing their Husband and Dad and Pop-pop with the Hatboro community," officials said. "We owe a lot to the Croak family and all of our dedicated volunteers from the Enterprise Fire Company for making sure when we need them, they’re coming."

Anyone interested in joining the fire department can stop by the Fire House at 36 Byberry Avenue on any Wednesday evening or visit the website or Facebook page for more information.