For the fist time in memory Freemansburg's public meeting hall was congested with concerned citizens the night of Nov. 19.

The people came because borough council recently announced a plan to replace the 107-year-old No. 1 Volunteer Fire Company with services from the City of Bethlehem.

Council contends that as a matter of practicality – rising costs of support and equipment upkeep as actual volunteerism dwindles – the deal would be fiscally responsible and safer for residents.

But one thing was made clear by President Homer "Bud" Lorrah during an hour of debate, invective and shouting matches: Though the agreement may happen as early as January, nothing has been decided yet.

Though initially only a few people raised their hands when Lorrah asked who would like to speak about the fire department issue, quite a few people actually spoke their mind. Some walked to a podium while others simply called out.

Judy Lasso, wife of Fire Chief and Board member Donald Lasso, and firefighter Lt. Nicholas Santiago each spoke powerfully in favor of retaining the department.

Others voiced disappointment or confusion, and at times the meeting got perilously close to "Parks and Recreation"-level absurdity.

Board member Rudy Gallich barked at people to "shut up" when several audience members continued chattering over him while he tried to answer a question.

One woman said, "Shame on you," to the entire board and implied they keep information about their meetings and decisions secret, seemingly unaware citizens are legally entitled to copies of meeting minutes and documents.

Residents accused the board of being unable to manage finances, and the fire company is paying the price. They said recent road repair was mismanaged and over-priced (Tolstoy ran overlong because of rain damage at the work site). They said the borough shouldn't be building a fancy new police station and leaving nothing for the fire department (the police station was built entirely with grant money.) They said the annual funds coming from the casino have been irresponsibly squandered if the Fire Co. hasn't gotten any money (that money is dependent on municipalities proving increased crime and infrastructure damage that is not applicable to fire companies.)

Lorrah said people should stop making assumptions and attend meetings as he has encouraged.

Despite the theatrics, Judy Lasso did have some good questions that went largely unanswered. She worried the city response times and that they won't respond to car accidents and evacuations. She also said the volunteer fire company helps pump flooded basements, removes storm debris from streets and performs traffic control duties.

"Our firefighters live here and are dedicated to this community," Lasso said.

Lorrah said, quoting City Fire Commissioner George Barkanic, all the regular firefighting responsibilities would be taken over by the city, even search and rescues and even HAZMAT and bomb disposal duties. He said nothing to Lasso's other inquiries.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at borough hall, 600 Monroe St.