WAYNESBORO, Pa. — Waynesboro has pushed up the agreed-upon timeline to end a 143-year partnership with its volunteer fire company.
The Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Company was given until Dec. 29 to move its equipment out of the borough-owned station on Potomac Street. On Monday, it was notified that the deadline was bumped up to Dec. 16.
The split ends a 143-year partnership between the borough and the volunteer fire company. It's a decision that is shocking for Waynesboro community members.
"I was really surprised because the volunteer fire department has been a huge part of this community," said Debra Rager, a Waynesboro resident. "This came out of left field. Nobody knew it was coming."
The process has taken its emotional toll on the volunteer fire company's members.
"It was very emotional for some of them, some were openly upset that this was ending,” said Lori Depies, administrative manager for the Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Company.
It's an obstacle the company has had to overcome together.
"I will say it was a little bit of anger but when you want to retain your history you become driven to move forward," said John Beck, the Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Company's Fire Chief Elect. "There was a quote from our president months ago that said the situation with the borough brought the membership together, and I truly feel that’s what it is."
It's a challenge they say they would not have been able to face without the help from the community.
"We’re here for the community, that’s what we’re here for," said Beck. "I don’t get a paycheck at the end of the day. I’m just here for the good of the community, to see the community’s support keeps you moving."
A community where this 143-year-old volunteer fire company means so much.
"A volunteer organization that’s been around for over 100 years should mean a lot to everybody," said Rager. "It has a history. It has its place in Waynesboro’s history."
The Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Company will now serve Washington and Quincy Townships along with providing mutual aid to Waynesboro.
It has no plans to stop serving the community it has deep roots in.
"We have a wonderful group of people both on the social side and on the operational side, they’re going to carry on the tradition of 143 years into the future," said Beck.
The volunteer fire company holds its election for administrative staff, executive board and line officers on Monday, Dec. 11.
FOX43 reached out to Waynesboro for comment but did not receive a response.