Significant developments for the Pottsville community are on the rise, the Humane Fire Company and Phoenix Fire Company are set to merge, an initiative that promises to enhance local fire services and community safety.
The merger, which leads to a better resource allocation and collaboration, will be officially introduced this Tuesday, and the public is invited to join the celebration and learn more about the upcoming project.
This collaborative effort comes with plans to kick off a capital campaign aimed at funding necessary renovations and improvements to accommodate the apparatus being housed, and apparatus itself. As part of the event, attendees can enjoy pulled pork, Mac and cheese, stewed burgers and more, along with a cash bar. This event is being held in hopes to answer any questions or concerns leading up to the merge but to also educate the community.
Aj Alves, President of the Humane Fire company discussed that "This expansion is needed to house the Phoenix Fire Co's tillered ladder truck. While this is a big undertaking by our fire company, it will be a benefit to our community." Alves’ statement shows hope to how much this move for both departments will benefit the community, as well as the volunteers themselves. Numbers show that Volunteer firefighters all over the country, but specifically Pennsylvania, have dropped. In 2000, there was an estimated 60,000 volunteer firefighters in PA, that number decreased to 38,000 in 2023, with that number likely being even lower in 2025 per the national volunteer fire council.
The merger is not only about combining resources; it is a strategic move to enhance the firefighting capabilities of both companies. These changes require modifications to the current firehouse located across from the Schuylkill county courthouse in the heart of Pottsville. Additionally, this merger not only aims to gain more volunteers and combine manpower, but also increase efficiency and response times, ensuring for the safety of all the residents.
The community is encouraged to attend this important kickoff campaign( where questions regarding the merger and necessary building modifications will be addressed. It’s an opportunity for residents to voice their thoughts, raise concerns, and gain insights into how the merger will directly benefit them and their families.
This collaborative effort comes with plans to kick off a capital campaign aimed at funding necessary renovations and improvements to accommodate the apparatus being housed, and apparatus itself. As part of the event, attendees can enjoy pulled pork, Mac and cheese, stewed burgers and more, along with a cash bar. This event is being held in hopes to answer any questions or concerns leading up to the merge but to also educate the community.
Aj Alves, President of the Humane Fire company discussed that "This expansion is needed to house the Phoenix Fire Co's tillered ladder truck. While this is a big undertaking by our fire company, it will be a benefit to our community." Alves’ statement shows hope to how much this move for both departments will benefit the community, as well as the volunteers themselves. Numbers show that Volunteer firefighters all over the country, but specifically Pennsylvania, have dropped. In 2000, there was an estimated 60,000 volunteer firefighters in PA, that number decreased to 38,000 in 2023, with that number likely being even lower in 2025 per the national volunteer fire council.
The merger is not only about combining resources; it is a strategic move to enhance the firefighting capabilities of both companies. These changes require modifications to the current firehouse located across from the Schuylkill county courthouse in the heart of Pottsville. Additionally, this merger not only aims to gain more volunteers and combine manpower, but also increase efficiency and response times, ensuring for the safety of all the residents.
The community is encouraged to attend this important kickoff campaign( where questions regarding the merger and necessary building modifications will be addressed. It’s an opportunity for residents to voice their thoughts, raise concerns, and gain insights into how the merger will directly benefit them and their families.
