POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— It’s a historic event for the city of Pottsville.
Its two oldest fire departments will soon be under the same roof.
The Humane and Phoenix Fire Companies will soon merge to be known as the Pottsville Fire Company Number One.
Both departments were founded in 1829, and they are both almost entirely volunteer.
Firefighters we spoke with say the merger will help speed up response times, and make the city safer.
The Humane and Phoenix Fire Companies in Pottsville are just minutes apart from one another.
Soon, they’ll merge to form the Pottsville Fire Company Number One.
“We’re going back to the original Humane name which was the Pottsville Fire Company,” said Rob Lynn, Lieutenant, Humane Fire Co. #1.
The new department will be housed at the Humane Fire Headquarters in just a few months. The Phoenix building’s fate will soon be determined.
Firefighters say consolidation of departments is becoming increasingly common.
“It’s the future. Companies merging together being under the same roof,” stated Jack Carey, Captain, Phoenix Fire Co. #2.
Phoenix Fire Company Captain Jack Carey has been a volunteer with the department for 25 years. His father was also a volunteer firefighter.
Carey says statewide and within his company, volunteer firefighters have been struggling to recruit members. Phoenix currently has 15 active members. Humane has 27.
“We have a good working history with humane here over the years and getting together under the same roof there will be more membership, cross training, financially it makes sense,” explained Carey.
Firefighters say the consolidation will make more manpower on scene, speed up response times, make a safer city for everyone.
“It all comes to in the end, getting the truck off the floor, quick response time, and serve the city of Pottsville,” added Carey.
As a part of the merger process, they will need to expand the humane station to fit the truck from Phoenix.
