By SARIT LASCHINSKY

Special to The Press

The New Tripoli Fire Company has secured $200,000 in grant funding for its new tanker through the offices of state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, and state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th.

The grant was announced at the Aug. 12 Lynn Township supervisors’ meeting.

“I’d like to just say thank you for what you do,” Day said, addressing the firefighters. “I’d like to thank all the volunteers here.”

He praised New Tripoli Fire Company for the time and effort it puts into training the members.

He encouraged interested individuals to become involved.

“One of the great reasons to support this fire company, in particular, is they work very hard in training firefighters,” Day said. “That really contributes to their strength.

“That’s part of what I want to thank these guys for. It’s really a great service you do for your community.”

Browne commented in a news release regarding the grant.

“The commitment and resolve displayed by our local firefighters, day in and day out, is nothing short of extraordinary, ” Browne said.

“Families can sleep a little more soundly at night, knowing if they need help, these brave men and women are here to answer their call.”

The $200,000 will go toward the fire company’s new tanker, which will be built by Pierce Manufacturing on a Kenworth chassis.

The vehicle will feature a 3,500-gallon tank capable of pumping 1,500 gallons per minute, and will be quipped with a five-inch supply hose, Blitzfire-type monitor nozzle, two self-contained breathing apparatuses and a 35-foot ladder.

The vehicle, expected to be delivered in fall 2022, should serve at least 20 years.

The new tanker will replace the company’s existing 1996 tanker.

Shawn Millan, public outreach coordinator for the senator’s office, said it was a “team effort” to get the funding for New Tripoli, noting $100,000 had been secured by both Browne and Day.

“This would not have happened without Rep. Day,” he said, “Sen. Browne was able to get us halfway to the goal line. It got pushed over the goal line by you, Rep. Day.”

Lynn Supervisor Steve Feinour thanked Day and Browne for their work in securing the money.

“We are very committed to our fire companies in our township, and we will do anything we can to help facilitate that $200,000,” Feinour said. “That’s a lot of money, a lot of money to the township and to the fire company to help them get to their goal of replacing their tanker.”

“We really appreciate what you do for the whole area, and for the whole of Lynn Township.”

Fire Chief Gary Kuntz Jr., showcased a schematic of the new truck to the board, and also thanked Day and Browne for their efforts to support the fire company.

“I really appreciate it,” he said, “It will allow us to continue providing the level of service that we provide to Lynn Township and keep our residents safe.”

Kuntz told the board the total price for the 2022 Kenworth tanker would be $557,347, with the balance covered by township and fire company funds, as well as outside contributions.

He also noted the fire company is complying with the Lynn Township fire study, which calls for a 20-year service life for apparatus, plus five years in reserve status.

Kuntz, however, reported the company’s 2001 Pierce engine will be due for replacement in 2026, if not sooner, due to a growing rust problems with the vehicle.

In his regular report, Kuntz said New Tripoli has responded to 113 calls for the year.

He noted the fifth annual Guns and Cash Bash is scheduled for Oct. 2 and three Polaris 4-wheelers will be given away as attendance prizes.

Kuntz reported he recently attended a meeting with Lowhill supervisors to discuss increased funding for the five fire departments which serve the township.

He expects the township to implement a fire tax for 2022 which would bring in additional funds to New Tripoli.

Kuntz added he was in contact with Lehigh County to secure additional personal protective equipment for the company, given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases.

For Lynnport Fire Company, Assistant Chief Tim VanBlargan reported the company had responded to 42 calls for the year.

He said the company’s gun bingo is scheduled for Sept. 18. Tickets include a buffet-style meal.

Additionally, the company’s annual golf tournament is scheduled for Sept. 25 at Rich Maiden Golf Course, Fleetwood, with final registration Sept. 10.

Furthermore, VanBlargan reported that the truck loan for the company’s new brush truck has been fully paid.

“So we’re once again debt-free,” VanBlargan said, adding the company’s tanker recently failed a pump test.

Mechanics are investigating the cause of the failure and will make necessary repairs.