State dignitaries, volunteer firefighters and members of the community gathered at the Germansville Fire Company March 1 to hear a fundraising appeal for a new fire truck and to thank state Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, and state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, for a $250,000 state grant received toward the purchase of the $793,673 vehicle.

“This is a great day for the Germansville Fire Company, the residents of Heidelberg and Lowhill townships, and the surrounding communities,” Deputy Chief Randy Metzger said. “We cannot thank Sen. Browne and Rep. Day enough for their continued support, and their ability to secure funding which will help us complete this important project.”

According to Metzger, the fire company conducted a needs assessment study, aiming to better tailor responses to the area they serve.

The study recommended replacing and upgrading one of the fire company’s current aging fire trucks.

The state grant began the process so the fire company can purchase a new 79-foot KME Quint (engine/aerial), which can pump 1,500 gallons per minute, has a 500 gallon water tank and 1,000 feet of 5-inch supply hose.

The truck will be used to support fire service emergencies in Heidelberg Township and surrounding townships that call for mutual aid support.

Volunteers and members of the fire company have been planning for this purchase for many years and have held various fundraising activities to raise money for the truck fund.

In addition, Heidelberg Township created a fire tax from which money has been directed to the truck fund. To date, $247,000 has been allocated to this purchase from fundraising activities and the township fire tax.

“We are $250,000 short of paying off the truck,” Metzger said.

Fire Company President TJ Stellar addressed the gathering thanking Browne and Day for their support.

He was followed by Chief Jay Scheffler who said the new six-person engine and ladder truck with 180 feet of ground ladders will enable quick access to two-story buildings and rooftops.

Browne gave a bit of firefighting history saying Ben Franklin established the first volunteer fire company in the United States, in Philadelphia in the 1700s.

He also recognized the amount of time volunteer firefighters spend away from their families for training and responding to emergencies.

“There are certain fundamentals we cannot forget ... for safety and security ... fire companies throughout Pennsylvania are the bedrock of the communities.

“The General Assembly needs to take seriously what the fire companies face everyday.

“We need to be stronger partners. Places like this do not happen without public capital.

“Pieces of equipment are not cheap but they are vital.

“I am happy to be here to be a catalyst to get this done. I commend the entire organization.”

Day then recognized Tony and TJ Stellar, and Scheffler and Metzger for all the time they volunteer to the fire company.

He also described how Browne works to aid his constituents.

“Sen. Browne looks at his entire district to see what each area needs - the City of Allentown and rural areas,” Day said. “When I see the fire truck, I see Sen, Browne’s picture on the door of the truck.”

Day explained that the hard-working volunteers of the Germansville Fire Company are a vital part of the public safety network in local communities.

“This new truck will surely bring a better sense of safety to a lot of people in this community and a well-deserved sense of pride for the Germansville Fire Company’s membership,” Day said

Individual and business sponsorships, in various levels such as fire chief, assistant chief, captain and lieutenant, are available to community members in order to reach the fundraising goal.

Donations may be sent to Goodwill Fire Company, P.O. Box 69, Germansville, PA 18053.

For more information, call the fire company at 610-767-7757. Leave name and phone number and someone will return the call.