History of the East Allen Township Fire Department

Updated Information as of March 9, 2010

In response to the burgeoning needs of the East Allen Township community, the East Allen Township Fire Department was established in 1976 through the collaborative efforts of proactive township residents. This dedicated group, led by the experienced industrial firefighter John Copek and comprising members from neighboring fire departments residing in East Allen Township, recognized the imperative for enhanced fire protection within the growing locale. Officially chartered in 1977, the organization promptly embarked on formulating a comprehensive Master Plan for Fire Protection, facilitated by the invaluable assistance of PennTAP (Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program) from Penn State University. Under the guidance of William Arble, P.E., a seasoned fire protection engineer from PennTAP, the Master Plan was meticulously crafted to ascertain and address the community's fire protection requirements.

In 1978, the nascent department commenced its journey of training and equipping its members. Groundbreaking for the fire station occurred on April 6, 1978, coinciding with a concerted fundraising campaign that yielded approximately $180,000. This capital was instrumental in constructing the fire station and procuring essential equipment. Following an intensive eight-month training regimen, the department officially commenced operations on January 1, 1979, boasting an initial membership of approximately 25 volunteers. In its inaugural year, the department responded to 42 calls, a number that has steadily increased over the years. Presently, the department averages 200 to 250 runs annually, with peak years witnessing upwards of 300 calls. On April 7, 1979, the newly constructed building was ceremoniously dedicated, marking a significant milestone in the department's history.

Commencing operations with modest resources, the department initially operated with only two pieces of apparatus: a 1964 International 750 GPM Engine and a 1955 Dodge 2400-gallon tanker, repurposed from an oil truck. As the department's responsibilities expanded, particularly in responding to motor vehicle accidents, additional equipment was acquired, including a utility truck converted into a Light Rescue Truck and the procurement of a Hurst Tool, colloquially known as the 'Jaws of Life', to augment rescue capabilities.

The evolving needs of the community, coupled with the escalating volume of calls, necessitated the periodic replacement and augmentation of apparatus. Over time, the original equipment was succeeded by modern counterparts, with the department currently operating six state-of-the-art pieces of equipment.

In tandem with its operational endeavors, the department has prioritized the professional development of its members, establishing rigorous training standards. All members are required to complete comprehensive training programs encompassing Fundamentals of Firefighting, Basic Vehicle Rescue, Haz-Mat Technician certification, and CPR training. Furthermore, in recognition of the critical role of rapid medical intervention, all department members have undergone training in the operation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), bolstering the department's capacity to provide timely assistance in medical emergencies.

Although not the primary Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider, the department extends invaluable support to the East Allen Ambulance Corps, offering preliminary first aid and patient care interventions at emergency scenes prior to the arrival of EMS personnel.

In its multifaceted role, the East Allen Township Fire Department serves as a cornerstone of community safety, delivering a wide array of emergency and non-emergency services. These encompass vital emergency services such as Fire Suppression, Vehicle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, High Angle Rescue, and Agricultural Rescue, as well as non-emergency initiatives including Industrial Fire Safety Training, Fire Safety Training for Daycare Staff and School-Age Children, and Residential & Commercial Fire Inspections. Additionally, the department actively engages in Fire Pre-Planning initiatives to proactively mitigate fire-related risks within the community.

East Allen Township Fire Chiefs

1979 - Richard Wolfel
1980 - 1985 - John McDevitt
1986 - 2000 - Ron Check
2001 - 2002 - Michael Reinhart
2003 - 2005 - Scott Uhnak
2006 - 2021 - Barry Frantz

2021 to present - Joshua Smith