Darby Township has suspended one of the two remaining fire companies.

The township placed Goodwill Fire Company out of service Thursday due to the company’s all volunteer membership’s inability to respond to service calls with fully trained and certified operators and engineers, the township said in a press release.

The action was taken pursuant to the recommendation of Township Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Marshall Jim Childs in consultation with the township commissioners and emergency management personnel of the Township.

The press release said the action is anticipated to be a temporary designation until adequately trained and certified personnel are available to respond to service calls.

On Tuesday evening, officials removed an engine and a ladder from the station at 719 W. Cooke Ave. over the protests of members, who pointed out much of the portable equipment belongs to the fire company.

A video posted on social media shows the trucks being removed from the station.

In the press release, township officials said the action was taken out of an abundance of caution. The vehicles were moved by certified drivers to a location under the control of the township to prevent any potential damage and available for use if needed by the township.

The press release said the equipment was moved until such time as the status of the viability of the Goodwill Fire Company is determined.

The township continues to have mutual aid agreements in place for fire and emergency response with the surrounding municipalities as well as Darby Township Fire Company No. 4 located within the township.

In 2022, the township closed Briarcliffe Fire Company over racist remarks members were recorded as saying during plans to consolidate stations as membership dwindled for the volunteer companies.

Upper Darby Township was already the primary call out for emergency situations in the Briarcliffe section of the township and continues to operate in that capacity.

The emergency management coordinator has communicated with the Delaware County 911 center as well as the surrounding fire companies to ensure that the township is adequately covered in the event of an emergency necessitating a fire response.

Originally Published: May 28, 2025 at 2:03 PM EDT