By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer

The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors voted at their Aug. 7 meeting to support the Kennett Fire and EMS Regional Commission (KFERC) in seeking out funding opportunities to help meet future capital equipment needs of KFERC firefighters and EMS personnel.

The board voted in favor of the motion after a presentation by township Manager Alison Dobbins and Director of Finance Amy Heinrich proposed that the township recommend to the KFERC that it increase its capital contribution to $1.25 million in 2025, with smaller increases over the next four years, which would subsequently raise the township’s contribution to the KFERC by $462,000, an increase of $185,000 over 2024. 

The result will see a $48 yearly real estate tax increase for each township household that will help fund the KFERC’s capital equipment needs, but only on the condition that KFERC approves the plan as recommended. If approved, the increase would not be earmarked for facilities.

Currently, the KFERC is setting aside $750,000 this year to help pay for new fire and EMS vehicles, with that contribution to raise to $1 million in 2025.

Their presentation served as a follow-up to the KFERC’s July 9 meeting, when the results of an updated Fire Apparatus Fleet Review and Assessment Report spelled out major changes that have greatly impacted fire and EMS services.

Among the many challenges fire departments face are:

• Unprecedented increases in vehicle pricing that has seen consistent double-digit price jumps annually since 2021, a severe disruption of the supply chain, and extended delivery times of fire and EMA apparatus that have gone from 10 to 14 months to between 38 to 54 months
• Geographic and topographic challenges facing firefighters and EMS units that require a constant upgrade of vehicles to meet these demands
• Two hospital closures, extended wait times at the remaining facilities, and increasing call volumes have put major stress on EMS units
• The lack of competition in the Fire and EMS vehicle/apparatus industry has reduced supply despite the increased demand.
• Increases in call volume, that has risen to 146 at the Longwood Fire Company this July as compared to an average of 51 calls per month in 2015
• Pennsylvania has seen a decrease in its number of volunteer firefighters over the last 40 years, from 300,000 to 38,000 -- a loss of 262,000 volunteer firefighters 

The original study, conducted in October 2021, reviewed the fire department apparatus, equipment, and maintenance provisions for each fire and EMS member unit. The overall goal of the study was to provide KFERC with a long-range plan that included replacement strategies, financial planning, and a fleet improvement plan. These goals, if implemented correctly, ensure safe operations and deployment practices as well as increased fire protection within the community. 

“This is a county-wide problem, and it’s also a country-wide problem. It’s everywhere,” supervisor Pat Muller said of the necessary increases to fund fire and EMS services. “It is something that is rapidly changing, and we have been very proactive here in Kennett Township in exploring alternatives. 

“I think [the proposal] is necessary. As much as we’re all going to have to take a deep breath and put another notch in our belt, I don’t think we have any other choice. I think we need to move forward.”

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].