A meeting was held April 2 at the Lehigh Township Fire Company for two purposes: to determine ways to help the fire company financially and to tell the public about the company.

"On behalf of the Lehigh Township Fire Company I'm glad you came out. The purpose is the financial needs of the fire company," said Darryl Snover, chairman of the Lehigh Township supervisors.

The possibility of a 1 mill fire tax was raised in the recent township newsletter. Supervisors were hoping for another suggestion that would serve the same purpose. However, there was little objection to the tax and though Roger Spade, fire company president, specifically mentioned they were open to other suggestions, but none were presented.

Before the money issue was raised, however, Spade said the meeting was to be informative. He said the meeting was to be followed by a tour of the bays where the trucks were kept.

Spade said he also served as fire marshal, and introduced members of the company who were present, as were all of the supervisors.

"We've been talking to the township about the looming financial difficulties," he said. However, he assured residents that the fire company will always be there regardless.

The township funds road crews, a secretary and the police and the company is the only service expected to fund itself.

Fire Chief Rick Hildebrand presented a video presentation about what a volunteer firefighter does. He said it is a dangerous job.

"Your windpipe is closing and you cannot find a way out of a burning house. You get a smashed hand. Is it really worth it?" he asked.

The department has been in the township since 1944 and is the official designated fire company for Lehigh Township. In August 1945 it bought its first fire truck and had to store it at Dieter's Foundry until the building was erected in 1954.

Hildebrand asked for historical photos of the company.

The present trucks were bought by the fire company and the township, but one is 30 years old and needs replacement. A state grant bought the ATV which proves valuable in traveling up the mountain. A fire safety trailer for education was paid for by a federal grant.

The company has 43 firefighters, three emergency management technicians, six junior firefighters and 14 members for fundraising.

In the past eight years there were 3,080 calls. In addition to fires, the company responds to accidents, medical calls, water rescue, ice rescue, floods and more.

The firemen put in many hours of training and the company has 50 percent of the men certified. New light-weight construction makes going into burning buildings more dangerous.

Volunteer time affects members' lifestyle because more time is spent taking childen to sports or school events than occurred when the company was founded.

The company expected to lease land for a cell tower in 1999 but the zoning office denied it. The tower raised $260,000 but it is on a neighboring property. Fund drive letters get a return of 21.9 percent.

New trucks cost $500,000 for a pumper, $750,000 for a rescue truck and $1 million for a ladder truck.

Grants are applied for by the company when needed. Presently an assessment of needs is being done by the Department of Community and Economic Development which will affect grant applications.

Hildebrand said people are welcome to drop in and applications for membership are available.

Spade said the major costs are insurance, maintenance and apparatus replacement.

The main fundraisers are a spring flower sale and a golf tournament. The company owns three rental properties. Country Gardens, the fire company hall, was renovated to attract more events.

Firemen's Relief Association funds are designated for uses dedicated to firemen's safety. It comes from insurance companies.

It costs $324,000 to run the station. The company receives close to $100,000 from the township.

"There is a lot of competition for funds," said Spade. Only 46 people attended the last sportsmen's raffle.

The township is required to have a fire company. If it had to go with a career company it would need $4 million for a minimum staff.

"No one likes to hear the word tax, but a fire tax is needed because it cannot be diverted to other uses," Spade said. "We want to keep providing the same level of service. It is up to you to suggest funding." As an incentive to volunteers a pension plan is being discussed.

During the meeting, questions were asked, most of which revolved around two issues: citizens didn't know or were unaware of the costs and work involved with the company and why the township cannon add money to its millage.

By adding to township money it can be diverted for other uses. As a fire tax it is designated only for that use and can be used in planning. Supervisor Keith Hantz said one mill would raise $250,000. He said there is $412,000 in an equipment fund but that is not enough.

They were asked why a certain amount cannot be required in the fundraising letter but that is prohibited. The ambulance can charge for service but fire companies cannot.

In various ways many people said they were not opposed to a fire tax but should know how the money is spent.

"We're sorry. We didn't know," was also repeated in many ways.

Spade mentioned some of the ways the company tries to raise awareness, and some are costly in themselves.

Hildebrand said he feels safer in a burning house than on a busy highway.

Supervisor Sandy Hopkins said she did not hear anyone say they didn't want a fire tax, which will be further discussed during budget meetings in the fall.