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Council hears public safety briefing on Dewey Fire Company, daytime EMS staffing and long-term funding challenges
Summary
Tom Reager told council a daytime staffing program for Dewey Fire Company and EMS is underway but long-term funding shortfalls for volunteer-based emergency services mean Hellertown alone cannot sustain a fully paid department; he urged legislative conversations and possible structural changes.
Tom Reager reported on a public safety meeting with Dewey Fire Company and EMS, focusing on equipment and operational funding shortfalls and the newly approved daytime staffing program for Dewey, which is in the process of hiring. He said the council has limited options locally and suggested state or county approaches will be necessary to resolve systemic funding shortages affecting fire and EMS services.
"We are, as a borough, legally required to provide fire service coverage," Reager said, noting Hellertown faces the same fiscal constraints as many small boroughs and that a fully paid fire department is unlikely without broader legislative or structural change. He urged continued monitoring of the daytime staffing pilot and conversations with state representatives about longer-term solutions.
