Epstein Foundation Donates $10K To Bucks County Fire Company

WYCOMBE, PA — A Bucks County fire company is the latest recipient of a Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund grant.

On Tuesday, Bucks County philanthropist Gene Epstein hand-delivered a check for $10,000 to the Lingohocken Fire Company, which serves Wrightstown Township and parts of neighboring Buckingham and Upper Makefield townships.

The all-volunteer fire company, which annually saves the three townships hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in fire service operating costs, will put the donation towards the purchase of a new 2027 Pierce Pumper.

"This donation is very much appreciated," said fire company president Dennis Kilfeather in accepting the donation on behalf of the fire company.

According to Kilfeather, the new truck will cost the department about $1.4 million, which will be paid for through grants, donations, and fundraising.

The new truck, scheduled to arrive at the fire station in 2027, will replace the company’s aging 2002 engine, which will be sold with the proceeds being used toward the new truck purchase.

Epstein said he’s hoping the foundation's grant will help kick-start the company’s fundraising campaign and motivate others in the community to do the same.

"Both my wife and I appreciate our all-volunteer fire department who are the unsung heroes, always on alert to save lives and property here in Wrightstown," said Epstein. "We sincerely hope that our donation inspires other residents to donate whatever they can as Lingohocken Fire Department needs to upgrade their 22-year-old equipment to better our entire community."

To celebrate his recent 85th birthday, Epstein, an antique car collector, decided to sell his 1972 Jaguar Roadster and use the proceeds to give back to the community through his foundation.

"I bought it for my wife 30 years ago, but neither of us can bend down anymore to get into it so we figured we'd put it to good use," he said.

Epstein used a large chunk of the proceeds to hand out $100 bills to Fresh Connect clients during a weekly distribution of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables in Bristol Township.

He made another donation to the Bucks County Opportunity Council.

And he cut a third check to his local fire company, which he said was there when they were needed following a fire on his property. "This is the least we could do," said Epstein.