Daytime Fire Coverage Resolution Hinted In Warminster

WARMINSTER, PA —For more than six months, the Warminster Township supervisors and its two fire companies have disagreed about why the township does not have daytime fire coverage.

At last Thursday's supervisors meeting, Chairman Kenneth Hayes hinted that a resolution may be on the way next month.

"We're working with our fire departments to try and resolve some day coverage shortages," Hayes said. "We're close to getting everything hammered out. We hope to have a nice announcement next month and hope our fire chiefs will be there."

In mid-February, township officials stated they were working on some initiatives after the Warminster Fire Department and Hartsville Fire Company —who have criticized the township for failing to provide adequate daytime coverage —held town meetings to state their case to residents that fire officials tried to seek funding for full-time firefighters.

Township officials said at that time that they are committed to hiring a deputy to the fire marshal/emergency management services director who would be fully qualified and able to answer calls for fire and medical assistance during the day.

The township said it was also discussing firefighting assistance with Ivyland Borough to contribute during the week when volunteer time is less available for both municipalities.

Warminster Township would also directly bear the costs of outfitting and equipping any new volunteers that can be available during the business day for the Hartsville Fire Company and Warminster Fire Department, officials said.

Last fall, the Warminster Fire Department blasted township officials, saying they could have used a grant to pay for full-time firefighters to enhance coverage.

The fire department has argued that Warminster received a $1.8 million SAFER grant two years ago to pay for five full-time firefighters for three years but the township never enacted it.

Hayes cited the township's lower tax base and the fact that a reassessment hasn't been done in the township for 50 years.

Hayes said Hartsville and the Warminster Fire Department both receive $500,000 each year for their operations in the municipal budget.