Forum will include updates on control of Hempfield fire stations

A forum for firefighters Saturday will provide updates on the progress of fire stations in Hempfield coming under the township’s control, as well as what officials see as successes over the past year as they prepare for the future.

The forum is planned for 9 a.m. at the Hempfield municipal building, 1132 Woodward Drive.

“Last year, we had a very good turnout,” said township manager Aaron Siko.

Township officials have been encouraging Hempfield’s 10 fire stations to become “nonchartered” and come under the direct management of the township. Volunteers could continue to respond to calls and would not be responsible for the department’s finances.

Supervisors last month approved acquiring Midway-St. Clair and a declaration of intent with Fort Allen. North Hempfield was the first to finish the process in 2021. Officials have said they’ve been in discussions with Grapeville and Adamsburg, and other stations have expressed interest in the process. Bovard and West Point have not.

The 11th department, High Park Volunteer Fire Department, closed last year after failing to respond to calls and is proposing a merger with West Point.

There will be a lot for Siko, fire Chief Anthony Kovacic and the deputy fire chiefs to discuss at the forum, given the changes over the past year. The movement with Midway-St. Clair and Fort Allen are positives, Siko said.

“Those are certainly two successes from 2024 to 2025,” he said.

Other topics of discussion likely will include having part-time paid staff to supplement weekday responses, the potential for a new fire station in the west side of the township and the ongoing construction of a multimillion-dollar municipal complex that will include a public safety building, in addition to other amenities.