By SARIT LASCHINSKY

Special to The Press

Lynnport Fire Company Assistant Chief Tim VanBlargan reported to Lynn Township supervisors on Feb. 11 that firefighters had responded to 69 emergency calls in 2020.

He also noted the company would be hosting vehicle rescue and operations classes, and also said their 2000 Club fundraiser was up and running every Saturday night until its final March 27.

New Tripoli Fire Chief Gary Kuntz Jr. told the board firefighters responded to 166 calls in 2020, as well as 23 so far in 2021.

He said company members continue to receive COVID-19 vaccinations from Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Kuntz added firefighters with EMS certifications were part of the Tier 1A grouping, which started Dec. 22, 2020, while firefighters without certifications started receiving vaccines in early January as Tier 1B members.

He said orders for the Easter filling sale were due March 12 with pickup 1-3 p.m. April 3 and gun calendars for May would be out in the near future.

The grand prize will be a Honda Pioneer 1000cc UTV.

Kuntz said for every 10 tickets sold, sellers will be entered into a drawing to win a Honda 4-wheeler valued at $8,000.

He reported in a recent email, Lehigh County commissioners asked if the fire company needed any additional resources to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

After receiving the fire company’s list of items, the county awarded New Tripoli $33,300.

Kuntz said some of the funding was used to purchase a grain bin rescue sleeve which will be placed on their rescue truck.

Furthermore, regarding a subject discussed at previous meeting, Kuntz asked whether supervisors had given any thought to an incentive for the road crew members to become active with the New Tripoli Fire Company.

“I just ask the township create an atmosphere that supports volunteering at our department,” he said.

Supervisor Justin Smith said the township allows employees to go during work hours to be active at the company, depending on the roadmaster’s discretion and severity of the call.

Smith also said Antonio Pineda, a candidate for Lehigh County Commissioner Mark Grammes’ seat, had been in contact, and they had discussed concerns about obtaining radio equipment for volunteer fire companies.

The next supervisors’ meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 11.