Riegelsville — Representatives from the three volunteer fire companies that serve part of the northern tier of Bucks County jointly announced Monday that they are starting a new chapter in their history.
The new Palisades Regional Fire Rescue is being formed to improve public safety services and create a stronger volunteer fire-rescue service. The new department is largest consolidation in Bucks County and one of the largest in Pennsylvania.
"Volunteers from all three organizations overwhelming voted to adopt the Plan of Consolidation because it is seen as the best path forward for the residents and businesses of Upper Bucks County, surrounding communities and members of all three organizations" Pete Cox, President of Community Fire Company No. 1 of Riegelsville, said.
"The consolidation of fire companies is something we've been considering for the past seven years. With more and more data that reaffirmed our idea, Riegelsville Chief Todd Myers and I were able to move forward. The new department is in a much better position to grow and adapt with our communities as they grow. Communities and the fire service as a whole are always evolving and now, we can be proactive with those changes," said Ottsville fire chief Bill Schick.
Chris Trauger, chief of Springtown Fire Company said "This merger just makes sense, it enables us to eliminate the duplication of officers, administrative functions, and puts us in a much better position to manage the future."
"As an elected official, the newly formed Palisades Regional Fire Rescue will be in a much better position to plan for the future needs of our citizens. Others and I look forward to working with the men and women who serve our communities," said Riegelsville Mayor Greg Stokes.
The new Palisades Regional Fire Rescue will have approximately 100 active volunteer members operating out of four fire stations. It is expected to respond to over 1,200 calls for service a year, and provide service to Tinicum, Nockamixon, Bedminster, Haycock, Durham, and Springfield townships and Riegelsville Borough. It’ll offer mutual aid in surrounding communities including Northampton County, PA, and Hunterdon County, N.J.
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