The
Board of Supervisors established the Palmer Municipal Fire Department
in 1965. The department is totally volunteer. It is funded through
municipal taxes with some safety equipment being purchased through
the Firemen's Relief Association which is an association within
the department. The fire officers, administrative officers and
the officers of the Relief Association are all elected by the
members of the department. In 2003 the Board of Supervisors established
the full-time position of Fire Administrator who handles all of
the administrative functions of the department.
There
are presently 40 volunteer members. Training is handled within
the department at their Monday night drills, through the Bucks
County Fire School and Northampton Community College. The residents
of Palmer are fortunate to have one of the most highly trained
departments in Northampton County. The department is always looking
for people who want to serve their community as a volunteer fire
fighter. Several years ago the Board of Supervisors instituted
an incentive program for members who attend drills and respond
to emergencies. If you are interested in joining or would like
more information please visit one of the fire stations on the
department's drill night, each Monday, or contact the Fire
Administrator at 610 559-9809.
There
are two stations located in the township. Station No. 1 is located
just off Route 248 and Old Nazareth Road. Station No. 2 is located
on Freemansburg Ave. The location of these stations gives proper
coverage to all of the township. The department is one of the
best equipped volunteer fire departments in Northampton County.
The equipment within these two stations includes three fire engines,
one 105 ft. ladder truck, one heavy rescue, one light rescue and
two utility vehicles.
The
department is the second busiest volunteer fire department in
Northampton County, averaging 470 to 500 emergency calls per year.
Each
October the Fire Prevention Bureau kicks off its Fire Safety Education
Program with an open house at Fire Station No. 1. All fire equipment
is on display along with handouts and videos. Also, firefighters
are available to conduct tours of the station and answer fire
safety questions. The Fire Safety Program continues in the elementary
schools in the township with talks and demonstrations for children
in grades kindergarten through third grade. During the year all
day care facilities are visited. Trucks and equipment are shown
to teachers and children along with some type of video or other
training materials. Also, throughout the year state mandated training
for all day care teachers is provided by the Fire Department.
Many tours of our fire stations are done all year long.
The
Fire Department will soon be launching their web site. When this
is completed a link will be provided.
Palmer
Municipal Fire Department makes 429 emergency calls
The
all volunteer fire department responded to 429 emergency calls
in 2002 accounting for 3970 hours of operation. They also logged
1938 hours of training. This highly trained group of firefighters
are always ready to come to the aide of those in emergency need.
All of the residents of Palmer should be very thankful that there
are committed and dedicated individuals to take on this responsibility.
The Board of Supervisors are very proud of the high quality fire
department we have in the township.
