WAYNESBORO, Pa. — The longstanding handshake agreement between the Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department and the Borough of Waynesboro has gone up in flames.
The Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department has a long history of service.
The Mechanics Steam Fire Company and Hose Company and the Always There Hook and Ladder Company have served the area since 1880, working alongside the paid Waynesboro Fire Department.
"Up until about a couple years ago they worked hand in hand," said Lori Depies, Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department administrative manager.
Depies said the borough hired a new fire chief to oversee both departments. He made it clear he prefers the paid model.
Volunteer President Michael Bock said the department's 30 to 40 volunteers decided it was time to put the agreement in writing.
"Last year we tried to get into some MOU meetings, and they stalled," Bock said. "The volunteers got frustrated."
"That's when the volunteer company said we just don't feel as if our services anymore are wanted," Depies added. "We're being excluded from trainings; we're not being included in what we need to be and we're fearing that we will be put out of existence."
The volunteers decided to pull out of the agreement, notifying the borough council last month.
"The borough owns one engine, a pickup truck, and a brush truck," Bock said.
In a recent development, the Waynesboro Fire Department received a notice from the borough on Monday, Dec. 4 to vacate the fire station and deliver any borough-owned equipment by Dec. 16.
The previously agreed upon date to exit the station and return equipment was Dec. 29.
The sudden notice is reportedly causing unnecessary chaos to the station as they scramble to readjust the highly anticipated Santa Claus rides and more.
"The members of the WVFD are committed to serving the community and hope to avoid cancelling this event or any fire service interruptions," the fire department released in a statement.
The Waynesboro borough manager did not respond to email or return FOX43's hand-delivered message at borough hall.
The volunteer department will continue to serve the area when the affiliation ends, no longer answering to the borough chief.
"We see this as our best path forward to continue to exist and still be able to serve our mission," Depies said.
A new year will be the start of a new era at the Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department. It's prepared to enter an agreement with nearby Washington Township to be the primary fire service there.