Northwestern Lehigh Regional Emergency Services Steering Committee met Aug. 15 at the Lynn-port Fire Company to discuss mutual concerns.

On the agenda was a discussion of a resolution, to be signed by all four Northwestern townships to acknowledge the emergency services in the municipalities working together for the benefit of residents.

Each township would need to adopt the resolution and return it to the steering committee.

Rod Beck, head of the relief association insurance committee, gave a report on where the group is headed.

He was having some difficulty obtaining necessary information and asked if someone else could take over for him.

In order to have a relief association that covers all the fire companies, each company must coordinate its bylaws so they are all alike.

Since this was viewed as a possible stumbling block, the thought was to establish a new relief association for the four fire companies.

It was uncertain if the project was viable.

Randy Metzger, representing the recruitment and retention committee, gave his report.

This committee is trying to find ways to recruit more volunteers to join the fire companies.

He reported there is some money available from the state for this program.

There should be strict guidelines for membership and some type of incentives to retain volunteers.

He would like to see some program arranged with the school district to inform students about firefighting and try to get more junior volunteers.

After the committee reports, each fire station was invited to give a report of recent activities in their company.

First was the newly formed Weisenberg Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Training continued from last year for the junior firefighters.

If all goes well, they are planning to hold a first responder program at their station.

Lynnport Fire Company wants to purchase a new a mini-pumper. This would replace two older trucks, a fire engine and the Quick Response vehicle, which are for sale.

Lynnport purchased a Polaris Ranger for use on the Blue Mountain. This piece of equipment has a brush unit mounted on it for firefighting.

The Ranger can also be used as a search vehicle for lost hikers on the Appalachian Trail.

They are also looking into a boat for Leaser Lake for rescue operations.

Germansville Fire Company members completed several continuing education classes necessary for firefighting.

They are currently working on building a spill trailer, which is expected to be completed in a few weeks.

New Tripoli Fire Company may also buy a new truck and eliminate two existing vehicles.

The fire company plans on submitting an application to the state for a grant.

Some of the volunteer firefighters completed classes needed for continued participation in answering calls.