Whitehall Township may eventually house a fire department with a small fleet of fire trucks on the west side of MacArthur Road.

Township Commissioner Paul Geissinger raised the question at a recent meeting of the board of commissioners, asking about the fire department's budget and its plans for replacing fire engines.

'While we're talking of the future, there are no ... fire stations, on the west side of MacArthur Road. The Egypt fire station is on the west side of Route 145 but north of the area," Geissinger said.

"Something has to be seriously looked at," he added. "Something should be started in this direction. There is no station in that area. I'm just looking at the future."

The township fire companies have responded to calls on the west side of MacArthur Road. One recent call involved a fire at an apartment complex off Mickley Road.

Fire Chief Robert Benner said if the township moves forward with a sixth station to serve the area Geissinger discussed, it would be different from existing fire stations in the area.

Fullerton, West Catasauqua, Hokendauqua, Cementon and Egypt fire stations have social quarters at their premises. Some even have separate buildings for the social halls.

The township fire department is a volunteer operation. Firefighters' training, mission and record are considered as good as or better than many paid departments. No complaints have been lodged against the fire department, its firefighters or their response times.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said another matter to consider is a new police station.

Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers said the township will be in a better position to make such financial decisions beginning in 2017 when it cashes in on a bond.

The township will use a five-year schedule to plan for possible expansions.