The FSRC Fire Service Ecosystem page is a working project made public to promote open government, transparency, accuracy, and community engagement. The information appearing here is under constant revision. Some typographical errors may exist. Please bring any factual errors on this page to the attention of the committee. Only the committee’s final report to council (scheduled for the fall of 2024) should be considered official and binding. The municipalities and fire services listed here represent our local fire service ecosystem–neighboring communities that must work together to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries, and death from fire and other hazards. 

2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant

August 2, 2024: Beaver Falls Fire Department, Big Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Company and the Koppel Volunteer Fire Department awarded a 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $196,800! This regional grant will be used to purchase head-to-toe personal protective gear for firefighters. This grant was one of the first steps to provide matching turnout gear for the departments of what will become the Big Beaver Falls Area Fire District.

Neighboring (mutual aid) ISO PPC Ratings 

• Big Beaver Borough = PPC rating 5 “average”
• Chippewa Township = PPC rating 5
• City of Beaver Falls = PPC rating 3 “considered above average”
• Darlington Township = PPC class not available at time of Regionalization Study
• Homewood Borough = PPC rating unknown
• Koppel Borough = PPC rating unknown
• New Brighton Borough = PPC rating 4
• Patterson Heights Borough = PPC rating 4
• Patterson Township = PPC rating 5
• West Mayfield Borough – PPC rating 5
• White Township = PPC rating unknown

NONPROFIT FIRE SERVICES (PROPUBLICA & IRS DATABASE)

• Beaver Falls Volunteer Fire Department
• Big Beaver Volunteer Fire Department
• Chippewa Fire Department
• Patterson Heights Volunteer Fire Department

FSRC INTERVIEW

On May 28, FSRC met for two hours with Chief Adam Crepp at Big Beaver VFD. Chief Crepp stated that his department place emphasis on effective leadership, training, qualifications/certifications. VVVFD Chief, Asst. Chiefs, and Btn Chiefs have advanced certifications. All FFs have essentials and FF1 credentials. Staff undergoes 4-6 hours of training a month. When it comes to fighting structural fires, no FF is permitted to that type of fire without a specialized certification. All have Hazardous Materials Awareness certification.

When it comes to standards of operations and job performance, it’s absolutely essential for a FD to have standard operating procedures and to train staff to these SOPs. Chief Crepp was clear, fire departments that do not have such standards and training cannot be trusted. They are unsafe.

Firefighters are usually very upfront and honest about their physical abilities and readiness to handle calls. It is unthinkable for a firefighter to put themselves or others into harm’s way by not recognizing that they are not able-bodied.  

When it comes to recruitment & retention of first responders, BBVFD struggles to find and retain staff just like every other department. As volunteers, the fire department is always understaffed during daytime hours.

BBVFD has a good working relationship with council and the community.  It does considerable amount of fire safety public education. It partners with the community and other local fire departments to hold several fundrasing events throughout the year. However, Chief Crepp stated that relatively small levels of community financial support is his least concern. Small fundraisers will never be enough to adequately fund the needs of a modern day fire department. BBVFD is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit.

The fire department has a Facebook page, but no website.

Chief Crepp and the BBVFD has a good working relationship with council. Big Beaver Borough manages fire department matters within its Public Health and Safety Committee. Each month the fire chief turns in what the borough calls a “professional report” detailing calls, training, and finances. No current firefighters are members of council.

Big Beaver is 18 sq. miles.  Beaver Falls is listed as automatic mutual aid for Big Beaver in part because BBVFD specializes in tanker services and water hauling. Only half of the borough has hydrant coverage. There is an annual fire hydrant audit and fire hydrant tax assessment. BBVFD does not have the type of Engine  and rescue apparatus that Beaver Falls can supply. BBVFD does not have WMVFD on its mutual aid box call list, but they will request WMVFD if needed. this rarely happens.

Fire Chief Crepp stared that BBVFD and the borough are resolutely moving forward with plans to develop a regional fire district with New Galilee Borough, Koppel Borough, Eastvale Borough, and the City of Beaver Falls. Chief Crepp has the support from borough council, especially council president Michelle Joy who is actively involved in negotiating the Fire District organization process. Big Beaver is consulting with DCED to help with the process. There are government monies available for moving in the direction of a fire district. A fire tax will be necessary to support a fire district, but calculations suggest that residents in all participating municipalities will end up paying relatively similar millage rates. In other words, on a per capita basis, one community will not end up paying more than others to support the fire district.  In our conversation, we learned that Chippewa and Darlington volunteer fire departments have decided not to participate in the fire district plan at this time.  

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Box Call List
  • Beaver Falls (automatic aid)

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Big Beaver Borough – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $11,823

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $129,677
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $8,194
• cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $137,871

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

Big Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2023 – Annual Fire Prevention at the Big Beaver Elementary School
• 2023 – Community Day
• 2023 – First Responders Event at Wright Field 
• 2022 – Annual Fire Prevention at the Big Beaver Elementary School

FSRC INTERVIEW

Status: Fire service not responding to FSRC request for interview.

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Box Call List

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Chippewa – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $51,044

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $48,476
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $117,729
• for “Debt Service” = $11,923
• for cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $178,128

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

Chippewa Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2021 – Fire Prevention Night (multi-dept. event)
• 2019 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot
• 2018 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot
• 2017 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot
• 2016 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot
• 2014 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

Chippewa Twp Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2024 – Spring Golf Outing
• 2024 – Beaver Falls & Chippewa Fire Departments Sportsmans Night Out 
• 2024 – Firemen’s Friday, Boot Donations at Front Door Tavern
• 2023 – Beaver Falls & Chippewa Fire Departments Sportsmans Night Out 
• 2023 – Firemen’s Carnival 
• 2022 – Firemen’s Carnival 
• 2022 – Glo-Ball Golf Outing
• 2020 – Glo-Ball Golf Outing
• 2020 – Red Cross Blood Drive
• 2019 – Firemen’s Carnival 
• 2018 – Fish Fry
• 2018 – Night At The Races
• 2018 – Firemen’s Carnival 
• 2018 – Glo-Ball Golf Outing
• 2018 – Chippewa Fire Dept New Merchandise Auction
• 2017 – Firemen’s Carnival 
• 2017 – Fish Fry

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

Chippewa Twp VFD: 75%

FSRC INTERVIEW

On June 5, 2024, FSRC and citizen Nora Soos met with Fire Chief Mark Stowe and Captain Crawford at the Beaver Falls Fire Department. Our conversation focused on the quality of fire service provided by Beaver Falls FD to its community, and the services it is able to provide other municipalities beyond direct industry standard professional-level fire fighting. 

BFFD is willing and able to provide fire prevention public education, participate in community social events, assist with traffic control, and other ancillary services. Chief Stowe and his staff can also advise municipalities regarding fire prevention and fire protection ordinances and other legislation. However, Chief Stowe is clear: providing fire protection to citizens is their top priority. All other services are important and value-added, but secondary to their mission

BFFD would be able to provide seamless, full fire service coverage to West Mayfield at any time should the borough decide to outsource its coverage. Such direct contracted services with the City of Beaver Falls would be available in the near term to give the borough the time it needs to fully review the terms and conditions of joining the fire district. 

ORDINANCES

• 2018 International Fire Code

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Box Call List:
  • Not on West Mayfield’s first or second alarm list
• The secondary mission of the Beaver Falls Fire Department is to provide, when feasible, the same services to any community or agency when properly requested, as determined by existing and future mutual aid agreements (see website).

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Beaver Falls – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $26,403

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $1,101,632
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $N/A
• cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $1,101,632

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

City of Beaver Falls

• 2023 – Community CPR
• 2023 – Saint Monica Catholic fire station visit
• 2022 – Saint Monica Catholic fire station visit
• 2022 – City of Beaver Falls Fire Department Open House and Fire Prevention Day
• 2022 – People in Your Neighborhood Series – Meet your Firemen
• 2021 – Fire Prevention Week Open House
• 2021 – Fire Prevention Night (multi-dept. event)
• 2019 – BFFD Open House
• 2019 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot
• 2018 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot
• 2018 – Open House
• 2017 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

City of Beaver Falls Fire Dept.

• 2024 – Beaver Falls & Chippewa Fire Departments Sportsmans Night Out
• 2024 – Tip Board Raffle
• 2024 – St. Patty’s Day T-Shirt Sale
• 2024 – Purse Bingo
• 2023 – Beaver Falls & Chippewa Fire Departments Sportsmans Night Out

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

Beaver Falls FD: 100%

TRAINING

FSRC INTERVIEW

Status: Fire service not responding to FSRC request for interview.

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Box Call List

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Darlington Twp. – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $11,303

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $18,230
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $
• for “Debt Service” = $
• for cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $18,230

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

Darlington Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2019 – Public Safety Day at Chippewa Home Depot

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

Darlington Twp VFD: 50%

August 9. 2024: Station 18 awarded $74,761 through the FEMA AFG grant. Money will be used to install a diesel exhaust mitigation system in the station. The systems will be magnetically attached to the trucks exhaust to pull harmful diesel exhaust fumes out of the station, creating a healthier work environment for firefighters, police, township workers and the general public at the township building. 

FSRC INTERVIEW

On May 31, 2024, FSRC met with Fire Chief Alan DeSanzo if the Homewood Volunteer Fire Department. We had a very informative conversation about the most critical issue for their department: staffing. HVFD can not get enough community volunteers to become firefighters. And their current staff, which is just a few individuals, is aging out as first responders. This factor, more than any other, is driving the department toward joining the developing fire district with Big Beaver, Beaver Falls, and Koppel.

The second greatest issue for the HVFD is an inability to replace its current firefighting apparatus as required by current standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Not only are these standards recognized by industry professionals, but the Commonwealth (and the fire insurance industry) considers these standards when it comes to funding local fire services and Public Protection Classifications (ISO Fire Rating).  In other words, the state and the insurance industry is beginning to insist that local fire departments abide by NFPA standards when it comes to fire trucks and other fire fighting equipment. 

Chiefs Crepp and DeSanzo both admitted that no amount of local fundraising (e.g., sausage breakfasts, bingo,fish frys, etc) will be able to fund the necessary upgrades to firefighting apparatus in their departments. Most other local fire departments face this issue as well. 

Chief DeSanzo recognizes that HVFD will not and cannot sustain itself under these current staffing and apparatus deficits, and he sees no hope in the future except for outside help. Therefore, HVFD and borough leadership are moving toward joining the developing fire district.  Admittedly, there are many legal and logistical details to work out, such as the disposition and use of the fire station and equipment within the district. 

Also, the community and local government will almost certainly have to induce a fire tax to support district services. The residents of Big Beaver, Koppel, and Beaver Falls are also facing this reality. However, a tax structure or other funding scheme to support a fire district will have to be negotiated among the participating communities.

And finally, Chief DeSanzo recognizes that joining a fire district also brings with it a “Quick Response Service (QRS) benefit–trained medical personnel. For example, Beaver Falls first responders are certified paramedics, as such they would bring to an incident critical life-saving medical equipment and medication.    

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Responds to Turnpike emergencies in coordination with North Sewickley  Twp Volunteer Fire Dept. 

MUNCIPAL SUPPORT

Homewood – 2018 Annual Audit (no reports 2019 – 2022)

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $451

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $451
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $
• for “Debt Service” = $
• for cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $451

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

Homewood Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2024 – Lent Fish Fry 
• 1990s – 2023 – Homewood Heritage Days

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

Homewood VFD: Not participating or <10%

Homewood Volunteer Firemens Relief Association

• Compliance Audit: Jan 2020-Dec 2022 (Released February 2024)

FSRC INTERVIEW

On June 4, 2024, FSRC attended a fire district presentation by BFFD Chief Mark Stowe at the Koppel council meeting. Council first received a presentation about the fire district in February 2024, but asked if Chief Stowe could return with more financial information. 

Chief Stowe presented Koppel council with a specific breakdown of financial obligations, including a .33 mil fire tax increase each year for 3 years. A council member had concerns that savings to the municipality (e.g., fire service costs) by joining the fire district would be offset by tax increases. Chief Stowe reframed the question this way: fire service costs are already rising for every municipality, exponentially. Support for the fire district mitigates and more evenly distributes these costs among all members. In return, municipalities in the fire district will actually see improvements in services, from staffing, response times, better trained and equipped first responders. Medical Quick Response Service (QRS) is a value-added benefit of the fire district, especially when our local  EMT/ambulance services are critically understaffed.    

Council wants to hold a town hall meeting (in July) for citizens to learn more about the fire district and voice their concerns.By the way, Koppel Volunteer Fire Department is fully in support of joining the fire district, as is Big Beaver VFD, Homewood VFW, and the municipalities of New Galilee and Eastvale.   

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Koppel Borough – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $3,617

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $26,285
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $
• for “Debt Service” = $
• for cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $26,285

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

Koppel Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2021 – Fire Safety Day

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

Koppel Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2024 – 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks Show
• 2024 – Tip Board Raffle
• 2023 – January Soup Sale
• 2022 – Pork Chop Dinner
• 2020 – Pork Chop & Stuffing Dinner

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

Koppel FVD:  Not participating or <10%

FSRC INTERVIEW

On June 10, 2024, I met with Deputy Fire Chief Paul Bock and Assistant Fire Chief and fire department president Eric Bock at their station house. It was close to a three hour conversation about a wide range of issues.  

At the initiation of Daugherty Township, DTVFD and NBVFD are in the process of merging. Both municipalities realize that this is an arrangement of necessity, not convenience. At this time, neighboring Pulaski Township has not committed itself to this union because of issues surrounding organizational identity and control over its own resources. Daugherty Twp. and New Brighton has hired a consultant (former fire chief of Mt. Lebanon) to negotiate the merger. 

Both Eric and Paul Bock are long-time members of the fire service, and both stressed the importance of having a healthy culture of respect and trust within the fire service. NBVFD emphasizes social cohesion among its members. This healthy organizational culture extends outside the department into the community. 

The department has a very good relationship with the community. They give back, helping with many charitable activities, many of which have nothing to do with the fire department, such as food drives or benefit dinners.   

The reputation of the fire department is critical, not only within the department, but on behalf of the borough government and the community. Within the local fire service ecosystem, NBVFD has worked hard to represent themselves with professionalism, competence, discipline, and mutual cooperation. However, in their opinion some local fire departments do not reciprocate.These departments, which they did not name, tend to abuse the mutual aid system, relying on other departments to compensate for their shortcomings. “Some local departments just assume that others will bail them out,” said Erick Bock, “That’s just not how the system was designed, and it’s just not fair.”    

Instead of relying on traditional mutual aid agreements, NBVFD prefers negotiated intergovernmental cooperative agreements, where the terms and conditions of mutual aid are specified, expectations are communicated, and mutual aid assistance is more balanced.  

The NBVFD has a very good working relationship with its local government. Transparency is essential when dealing with council, says Eric Bock, who is also Daugherty Township’s business manager. The fire department shares a lot of organization information with council, such as financial records, operational activities, training records, and qualification readiness reports. In return, council invites the fire department to work together on a budget that best addresses their organizational needs. One innovative collaborative program paid for by council but administered by the fire department incentivizes firefighters to keep up with training, meetings, and responses to fire calls. For those firefighters with demonstrated professionalism, initiative and drive, there’s a sizable financial reward distributed twice a year. Merit is part of their organizational culture. 

Like every other fire service we’ve spoken with, the New Brighton Volunteer Fire Department is leaning into the future. They are doing so with the support of their local government, community, and like minded leaders within the local fire service ecosystem. “For decades most municipalities in our region–all over, in fact–have ignored problems facing volunteer fire departments,” Paul Bock stated. “Sure, we all have money and staffing problems. But firefighting today is much more technically challenging and more dangerous because of the toxic chemicals and highly combustible materials used in home construction and other buildings.”

Eric Bock added, “Years ago complete flashovers used to take on average about thirty minutes for everything in a room to totally combust, now flashovers can happen in five or ten minutes. This is why we need fire departments that can respond as quickly as possible with the best apparatus and protective gear, and crews that are well trained and qualified. Anything less is a disaster waiting to happen.”  

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Box Call List
• The New Brighton Volunteer Fire Department provides routine mutual aid to the neighboring townships of Daugherty, Rochester, and Pulaski, the Boroughs of Rochester and East Rochester, and the City of Beaver Falls. Since 1989, New Brighton has been a part of a county wide mutual aid agreement with all 56 county municipalities for shared resources among fire departments.

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

New Brighton – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $24,453

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $233,461
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $
• for “Debt Service” = $
• for “Capital Projects” = $18,687
• for cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $252,148

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

New Brightion Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2021 – Fire Prevention Night (multi-dept. event)

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

New Brighton VFD: 75% 

FSRC INTERVIEW

On June 5, 2024, FSRC met with Fire Chief Jason Medlin and five members of the PHVFD. In response to our contact survey prior to our meeting, Chief Medlin made this comment: 

Before the fire service study, I contacted WMVFD to explore opportunities for collaboration. Since then, we have updated the box alarms and scheduled joint training sessions. I believe WMVFD can be a valuable asset to the area, and I am committed to continuing our work and collaboration with them in the future. 

Chief Medlin is leading his department toward impressive improvements as a fire service and organization within the community. They were able to improve their PPC rating (aks, ISO fire ranking) from a 5 to a 4. The department recently became a 501(s)(3), which opens up many new funding opportunities. The PHVFD has been working closely with borough council to become QRS certified, enabling it to provide EMT services within the borough and as medical mutual aid to surrounding communities. 

And in January of this year the fire department attained Bronze Level Status from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, signifying that at least 50% of our members are Pro-Board Firefighter I certified.

PHVFD department is actively creating consistent joint training exercises with neighboring communities Patterson Twp VFD, White Twp VFD, and West Mayfield VFD. Chief Medlin confirmed that these four agencies have created a unified mutual aid emergency response alliance. All 4 departments are automatically called out to respond to emergencies in any of these municipalities. 

Chief Medlin stated that the department has a very good working relationship with local government. One of the FD members at our meeting is a sitting council member. Each month, Chief Medlin ensures that a fire report is provided to council and read into the record, appearing in the council meeting minutes (see below for a 12 month comparison of fire department reporting to council between PHVFD and WMVFD). The members present explained that their relationship with borough council has not always been collegial. The relationship seems to have changed when certain elected officials left office. 

PHVFD also states that it has a good relationship with the community; citizens are generally supportive, but far too many people do not take an active interest in the fire department. Community volunteerism is very low, but this is not inconsistent with that of other municipalities.

Overall, Chief Medlin and his staff squarely recognize that they are a small community fire service that is understaffed and under-resourced like most others. The Chief takes a practical approach, understanding that they can and will make the most of available resources. Their equipment and apparatus may be aging, but they are committed to maintaining and extending its service life as long as it enables them to fulfill their mission. 

However, along with every other fire service we’ve talked with so far PHVFD leadership recognizes that they have to lean into the future. Their fire service must change with the times. Technical upgrades are necessary. They can’t ignore standards that are becoming increasingly professionalized and mandated. However, Chief Medlin and his FF staff reminded us that changes will take time and considerable effort. Local governments and citizens need to be supportive of their fire departments, encourage respectful dialogue instead of focusing on faults, blame, accusations, and creating rancor.

Finally, we should recognize something remarkable from our conversation. The PHVFD staff expressed a deeply felt sense of duty, honor, commitment, and responsibility toward public service. Undoubtedly, this is part of the firefighters’ creed, and we should acknowledge, value, and be thankful for it. We citizens benefit from their commitment to service, but so do fellow firefighters in the line of duty. “It doesn’t matter what station number or name is on the back of your suit,” said one PHVFD with over 40 years of service, “We’re going to look after each other.” 

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Responds as automatic aid for West Mayfield, White Twp, and Patterson Twp. (newly formed mutual aid agreement among the 4 communities)

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Patterson Heights Borough – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $3,537

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $11,237
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $
• for “Debt Service” = $
• for cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $11,237

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

Patterson Heights Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2019 – Public Safety Day at Chippewa Home Depot

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

Patterson Heights Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2024 – Ladies Auxiliary
• 2024 – Night at the Races
• 2023 – Night at the Races

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

Patterson Heights Borough VFD:  50%

Services

We’re happy to announce that we were approved for a grant through aedgrant.com; enabling us to purchase new Philips Heart Start AEDs at a discounted price. We expect to receive the units within the next week and will be immediately placed into service. Each engine will now be equipped with this lifesaving tool. We would also like to thank The Borough of Patterson Heights Council for voting to approve additional funding towards the purchase of these AEDs! (Source: PHVFD Facebook page, February 29, 2024)

Announcement: Effective immediately; FF Christin Milnes has been appointed to the position of Lieutenant assuming the number of 33-15. Please help us in congratulating Lieutenant Milnes! EMS resources are stretched to the point where the system is stressed. This isn’t a local issue, but a nationwide crisis. Over the past few months, The PHVFD has been working closely with Borough Council to work towards having both of our Engines QRS Certified. While not a replacement for EMS, our goal is to help alleviate some of the burden off of local EMS providers. Lieutenant Milnes will be in charge of seeing this program through fruition. (Source: PHVFD Facebook page, March 7, 2024)

Patterson Heights Volunteer Firemens Relief Association

• Compliance Audit: Jan 2020-Dec 2022 (Released January 2024)

FSRC INTERVIEW

Status: Fire service not responding to FSRC request for interview.

FIRE RELATED ORDINANCES

Chapter 91: Fire Protection

ANNUAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSESSMENT

Chapter 91, Article III: Annual Fire Protection Assessment

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Responds as automatic aid for West Mayfield, White Twp, and Patterson Twp. (newly formed mutual aid agreement among the 4 communities)

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

Patterson Twp. – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $16,771

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $78,483
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $
• for “Debt Service” = $
• for cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $$78,483

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

Patterson Twp Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2024 – Fire Prevention on Social Media
• 2023 – Open House
• 2019 – Public Safety Day at Chippewa Home Depot

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

Patterson Township Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2024 – Fish Fry
• 2024 – Rummage Sale
• 2023 – Spaghetti Dinner PTVFC
• 2022 – Spaghetti Dinner PTVFC
• 2021 – Fish Fry
• 2020 – Fish Fry
• 2019 – Fish Fry
• 2019 – Spaghetti Dinner PTVFC
• 2019 – Rummage Sale
• 2018 – Rummage Sale
• 2018 – Spaghetti Dinner PTVFC

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

Patterson Twp VFD:  Not participating or <10%

FSRC INTERVIEW

Status: Fire service not responding to FSRC request for interview.

ANNUAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSESSMENT

• Ordinance 102 Annual Fire Protection Assessment

FIRE PREVENTION CODE

• Ordinance 70 Hazardous Substances/Fire

MUTUAL AID

• Complies with State and Beaver County mutual aid agreements
• Responds as automatic aid for West Mayfield, White Twp, and Patterson Twp. (newly formed mutual aid agreement among the 4 communities)

MUNICIPAL SUPPORT

White Township – 2022 Annual Audit

Revenues

• from state: Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Distribution = $5,743

Expenditures

• from General Fund “Public Safety – Fire” = $7,210
• from Special Revenue [accounts] (Including State Liquid Fuels) = $13,195
• for “Debt Service” = $
• for cost of fire hydrants = $
• reported total spending “Public Safety – Fire” = $20,405

FIRE SAFETY & PREVENTION PUBLIC EDUCATION

White Township Volunteer Fire Dept.

• 2018 – Public Safety Day at Chippewa Home Depot
• 2016 – Public safety day at Chippewa Home Depot

FIRE DEPT/COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 

STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Participating Department Recognition Program – Participating Department is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

• Participating Department Recognition Program
• Criteria for recognition

White Twp VFD:  Not participating or <10%

White Township Volunteer Firemens Relief Association

• Compliance Audit: Jan 2020-Dec 2022 (Released April 2024)