Abington Police Foundation to divert money from upcoming Joe Conklin fundraiser to Abington Township Fire Department to replace equipment used during SPS fire

The Abington Police Foundation has announced that the funds raised at the Comedy of Joe Conklin and the City Rhythm Orchestra event on Saturday, April 5 at the Keswick Theatre will be redirected to assist the Abington Township Fire Department’s five companies (Abington, McKinley, Weldon, Edge Hill, and Roslyn).

The donation will help replace equipment that was damaged or destroyed during the incident, officials said. Other companies are pursuing equipment insurance claims, The Inquirer reported today.

“The decision to divert the funds was made after consultation with local emergency response teams, recognizing the pressing need for additional protective equipment for our fire service personnel,” the Abington Township Police Department said in a post. “The Abington Township Fire Department worked tirelessly to respond to the SPS Building Fire, and these funds will help ensure that our brave volunteer firefighters have the necessary tools to stay safe in future emergencies.”


“We are incredibly proud of our community’s resilience and the support we’ve received from the public during such a challenging time,” said Patrick Molloy, Chief of Police. “While the Comedy of Joe Conklin and City Rhythm Orchestra event was originally intended to raise funds for the police foundation, we believe redirecting these proceeds to help our fire department with crucial PPE and other equipment is the right course of action to support the safety and well-being of all our volunteer firefighters.”

About Abington Police Foundation

The Abington Police Foundation’s mission is centered on ensuring the Abington Police Department has the necessary resources, training, and support to effectively serve and protect the community. Through a combination of fundraising efforts, community partnerships, and donations, the Foundation seeks to bridge the gap between government funding and the needs of the department. The Foundation provides financial assistance for the purchase of specialized equipment, technology, and facilities, as well as funding for training programs that enhance officer skills and community engagement.

Tickets to the show can be found here. Sponsorship questions can be directed to Kaitlyn Metzinger, Community Policing Coordinator, at 267-563-1082 and kmetzinger@abingtonpa.gov.

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