EASTON, Pa. – Easton City Council has approved a resolution to help a fire department in need. Now, the City of Easton will provide fire protection in West Easton.
Firefighters in West Easton are hanging up their coats, and they say it’s bittersweet for the agency.
“Knowing that the residents of West Easton have quality fire rescue service when they dial 911 is what we really wanted all along,” says Chief William Bogari Jr. with West Easton Volunteer Fire Co.
Bogari basically grew up inside Engine House 23, taking on his father’s legacy as chief. Though he’s upset the engine house doors are closing for the volunteers, he says it was inevitable.
“People became more transient,” he said. “There are more rentals in town now than people just owning their home and being a part of the community like it was back in the 70s.”
“Over the last 25 to 30 years, employers have been a lot less accommodating to volunteer firefighters for their training,” Bogari added.
“We face the challenge of getting members who are committed to the training and response,” he said.
Extensive training — including fire suppression, rescue services and hazardous material training — is part of why Easton City Council approved a resolution authorizing the City of Easton to provide fire protection and emergency response.
“Regional support for regional services is going to save the taxpayers money,” Mayor Sal Panto said.
Under the agreement, West Easton will maintain its fire station and cover facility expenses. Easton firefighters will have access to the borough’s fire station and equipment as needed.
The agreement also establishes annual compensation to the City of Easton, with additional payments required if emergency call volume exceeds an agreed-upon threshold.
“It’s in a strategic location for the city in between the West Ward and the Southside, so if they do choose to staff it, it will improve response times for additional personnel to those sections of the city,” Bogari said.
Easton City Council member Frank Graziano said the move is an important first step toward a regional approach to fire and emergency.
After nearly 115 years of service, West Easton Volunteer Fire Co. no longer has the manpower to serve its 1,300 residents.
“We knew we couldn’t provide a service we used to, and it was very important to us to make sure that as we phase away, they didn’t lose the service they had,” Bogari said.
“It’s a concern for many volunteer fire departments right now and encourages the younger generation to step up,” the chief added.
“Reach out to your local volunteer fire company,” he said. “We need people in skilled trades, and firefighting is one of them.”
Chief Bogari had one last message to the team:
“I’m proud of the members we had over the years for what they committed to the borough and for the guys that stuck it out until now.”
In 15 days, the Easton Fire Department will officially take over the firehouse and all the equipment inside.