Two Philipsburg area fire companies plan to merge as another stays out. What to know
Two Philipsburg-area fire companies said Tuesday they plan to merge, a move they said represents a unified commitment to a high level of fire and emergency services to the rural community.
Chester Hill Hose Co. would join the operations of Hope Fire Co. under the proposed plan. Combining assets would “strengthen the capabilities” of the organization and increase efficiency, Hope Fire Co. wrote in a release posted on Facebook.
“It is important to note that this transition will not impact emergency response services,” the department wrote. “Hope Fire Company is committed to providing the same prompt, professional, and effective emergency services that our community relies on throughout this process.”
Reliance Fire Co. — stationed two blocks away from Hope — is not part of the merger. Hope Fire Co. said a formal invitation was offered, but it was told Reliance chose to “table the conversation indefinitely.”
About two hours after the announcement was made public, Reliance also took to Facebook and said the fire company would not speak publicly at the time. They said they plan to release information “in the near future on our decision, the reasons behind it, and additional details.”
“We are saddened that, as we have had to make decisions after we had already prepared and mailed out our yearly mailers, we could have better prepared and adjusted those mailers accordingly,” Reliance wrote. “We are hopeful that you will understand that our moves in the future are aligned with our mission statement and commitment to serve those in our community and mutual aid areas.
“We sincerely wish the Hope and Chester Hill Fire Companies the best on their future joint endeavor.”
No timeline was announced in the posts. Messages left Thursday morning with each fire company were not immediately returned.
Longtime Philipsburg Mayor John Streno expressed optimism Thursday that a merger would be a boon for the area, but also encouraged all three fire companies to work together and join as one.
He said he’s broached the possibility before, but those conversations have “fallen on deaf ears.” He likened the disagreements to Republicans and Democrats — there is likely a middle ground to be had, but both sides are staunch in their positions.
“It would make things so much easier. It’d be so much stronger,” Streno said. “... They don’t want to hear that and I don’t understand why.”
There’s a long-standing rivalry between Hope and Reliance fire companies, with a dispute in 2020 leading Philipsburg Borough to even consider shuttering one of the services.
A self-described optimist, Streno said he knows the message seems bleak. Still, he remains hopeful a pact between all three can be worked out.
“I’m really not sure how it’s going to end up,” Streno said. “... I’m hoping that they keep talking.”
Philipsburg Borough Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 17.
