Dickinson Township accepts Fire & EMS strategic plan, backs multi‑municipal model

The Dickinson Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Dec. 3 to accept a Fire & EMS strategic plan that recommends a phased, multi‑municipal approach to sustain fire and emergency medical services.

Rob Brady of Robb Consulting presented the organizational assessment and three‑year action plan, saying, “There are four recommendations that were provided from the assessment.” His presentation outlined: (1) implementing a reliable, equitable funding model for fire and EMS; (2) formalizing a stakeholder committee to oversee coordination and reporting; (3) developing a multi‑municipal system in phased steps to reduce duplication and close service gaps; and (4) launching an effective public communications plan for hazards and response updates.

The plan emerged from one‑on‑one interviews, group meetings with chiefs and captains, and a review of operational and financial data. Brady told the board that fundraising shortfalls, rising vehicle and ambulance costs, and volunteer recruitment challenges require a structured funding and governance response.

Board members and local responders generally supported the recommendations. Chairman Rob Kole described the plan as “a first step to creating an effective and sustainable emergency service system” and emphasized that coordinated municipal action could shorten response times by overlapping coverage. Vice Chairperson Jennifer DeGaetano said she favored a proactive approach and praised the collaborative conversations among municipal leaders and volunteers.

North Middleton Township Fire Chief Andy Henry urged action, saying similar studies in other places had stalled; he argued the current moment offers an opportunity to build efficiencies and cost savings by sharing administrative and operational duties across municipalities. Local volunteer representatives also spoke in favor: Charley Westcott called the study a step toward much‑needed partnership, and resident Barry Shughart said he had noticed eagerness and positive interaction among stakeholders.

The Board moved to accept the report and approved Resolution 2025‑20 recognizing and supporting the Township’s designated fire and EMS providers and endorsing work toward a multi‑municipal system. The motion passed unanimously (Kole, DeGaetano, Line voting yes; Reichard absent). The resolution directs the Township to pursue stakeholder committee formation and to return with implementation steps, including proposed governance and funding mechanisms.

Next steps identified by the consultant and board include establishing the stakeholder committee to draft a formal inter‑municipal agreement, developing a cost‑distribution model tied to service percentages, and creating a public communications strategy for hazards and emergency notifications. The Board asked staff to coordinate follow‑up meetings with neighboring municipalities and affected fire and EMS providers.