The Bryn Athyn Fire Company announced today that Bryn Athyn Borough Council members unanimously adopted a resolution that permits the previously discussed Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with Lower Moreland Township.

The agreement is intended to address the future of firefighting and EMS delivery in the communities, officials said, and will allow for the next steps toward a new joint fire department.

Lower Moreland Township is anticipated to review and vote on a resolution on this agreement on Tuesday, April 9, officials said.

“We are confident it is the right thing to do and will create a relationship between municipalities and current fire departments alike to deliver a service better than ever before,” the company said in a statement. “This model will also permit cost sharing, reduction of duplicate resources, streamlined staffing and other cost saving initiatives to be enjoyed by all.”

From Bryn Athyn Fire Company’s statement:

Since conceptualization, Bryn Athyn Fire Company has championed this cause as it it is the most logical and cost effective approach to ensure uninterrupted delivery of timely and effective firefighting and emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of Bryn Athyn Boro and Lower Moreland Township.

Firefighting and EMS in PA and across the nation is in crisis. Volunteerism is at an all time low, potentially putting lives at risk. Forward thinking communities, such as ours are taking bold steps to consolidate and share services to ensure quality emergency services are maintained. While this process may come at the cost of losing our current identity, after over 100 years of dedicated service, we know it is what needs to be done for the community at large. It is not about us, it is about the greater good. It is about us being part of something larger than ourselves. It is the right thing to do!

While some may be concerned about what this will bring to emergency services in Bryn Athyn and Lower Moreland Township, we are confident it is the right thing to do and will create a relationship between municipalities and current fire departments alike to deliver a service better than ever before. This model will also permit cost sharing, reduction of duplicate resources, streamlined staffing and other cost saving initiatives to be enjoyed by all. Members of Bryn Athyn Boro Council and Lower Moreland Township Commissioners should be commended on their efforts.

As volunteerism dwindles and the cost of equipping departments with the necessary apparatus, equipment, training, and staff rises, it is steps like this that will set our municipalities apart from those who are accepting of the status quo. Thank you Bryn Athyn Boro Council and Lower Moreland Township Commissioners for being good stewards to the communities you serve!

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Image: Bryn Athyn FC