DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — The Paxtang Borough Council ended an agreement with Paxtang Fire Company No. 1 as its official fire protection unit in August 2022.
The borough alleges the fire company has operated independently with no government authorization since and is now seeking to eject the company from its municipal building.
Volunteers with the fire company received a letter on Wednesday from the borough, part of an ongoing ejectment lawsuit.
The letter claims the borough would pursue legal action if the fire company does not stop responding to emergencies.
For Fire Police Captain and President, Gavin Ford, this could mean facing a $5,000 fine or up to two years in jail.
“It’s very upsetting, our fire company is here to protect the public and put out fires and we have to deal with the political aspect of things, and politics should have no business in public safety,” Ford said.
No one in the borough was available for an on-camera interview.
In a statement to FOX43, the borough manager said, “It is not fair for the taxpayers of Paxtang Borough to continue financially supporting the use of free building space and utilities for their former fire service who no longer serves Paxtang Borough.”
But Ford says it was the fire company that was in the building before the borough.
“They’re trying to kick us out of the building that the fire company gave to the borough, a portion of the property for a dollar back in the 1930s for the purpose of housing the fire company and to build a municipal building.”
Jeffrey Enders, director of Public Safety for Dauphin County, says he will continue to call upon the fire company until otherwise directed.
“Dauphin County does still and will continue to dispatch Paxtang Fire Department till such time as we are directed otherwise. Paxtang Fire has no area or municipality of responsibility, they only respond when requested by another authority or department,” Enders wrote.
Meanwhile, some residents hope to see the matter mutually resolved.
“I appreciate the service that firefighters give to our community, and I hope that whatever happens here in Paxtang there are enough firefighters on duty when we have an emergency,” said Donald McKinnie from Dauphin County.
Ford says the company has no intention of moving and will continue responding to emergencies, adding he hopes the company is awarded the chance to stay in the building.
The trial for the ejectment lawsuit is set for May 2025.
FOX43 also received a statement from the office of Representative Dave Madsen.
“My office is aware of the issues between Paxtang Borough and the Paxtang Fire Co. It is unfortunate that the relationship between the Borough and the Fire Co. has become strained. I am closely monitoring the situation. Township residents can be assured that fire and emergency medical services remain fully prepared and ready to serve. Public safety is a top priority for me, and I hope both parties can reach a consensus and come to a resolution,” Madsen wrote.
Paxtang Fire Company No. 1 has operated for nearly 100 years.