| ** Official Press Release **
The Honey Brook Fire Co. #1 is proud to announce that we have purchased, and taken delivery of a 1998 Pierce Lance 105' aerial device. Marking the first time in the HBFC's 134 year history, that a ladder truck has joined our fleet. The significance of this moment cannot be understated, as this purchase represents a massive step forward in the HBFC's operational capabilities, in addition to making the residents of our community safer. On Friday evening 3/27, HBFC's Chiefs and President made the trip back to Station 33 from the Womelsdorf VFC, where our active crew, their families, and municipal officials welcomed the "new to us" ladder truck home. After some encouraging words from Chief Ream, and a blessing from Chaplain York, those in attendance celebrated the moment with cake and light refreshments.
Over the course of the last five years, the demand for our services has reached an all-time high. In response to this, operational leadership has constructed a strategy not only to meet today's demands, but position the HBFC for success for decades to come. A multi-faceted approach which has focused on reviewing our fleet, funding, firehouse, and capabilities, to ensure the HBFC can deliver the highest level of service possible. Traditionally, Station 33 has operated as an engine company, relying on mutual aid from neighboring agencies to provide the truck company service on box alarms and other fire related emergencies. The addition of the Ladder 33 will ensure that the HBFC can provide this service in house, and will compliment a more "well-rounded" operation. With an ambitious training schedule already underway, the HBFC aims to place Ladder 33 "In-service" later this year.
This could not have been possible without our Chiefs, line officers, administrative leadership, active crew, municipal and community support. It was the definition of a group effort, from membership and local businesses who donated their time and services to construct the additional square footage to the engine bay, to the apparatus committee who has worked tirelessly on a multitude of different projects, to the active crew who embraced the vision and had the courage to make a change of this magnitude, and to our elected officials and community members who have continued to support our organization.
The Honey Brook Fire Co. #1 stands ready to answer the bell, and continues it's transformation to maximize its operational capabilities, staying true to its core mission: To protect life and property for the citizens of the greater Honey Brook area and beyond. Stay tuned for future press releases, as more exciting changes for the HBFC will continue to materialize throughout 2026.
Apparatus Committee:
Assistant Chief/Chair: Ryan Plank
Chief Engineer/Past Chief: Ken Jackson Jr.
Assistant Engineer/Past Chief: Barry Messner Jr.
President/Past Chief: Steven Kern
Deputy Chief: Nathan Romig
Captain: Melvin Stoltzfus
Lieutenant: Aaron E. King Jr. |
