Pennsylvania DCED Helps Oaks, Mont Clare Fire Companies Merge in Montgomery County

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With technical assistance from state government, the Oaks and Mont Clare fire companies in Upper Providence Township will consolidate operations by the end of this year to improve services and realize significant cost savings.

"Although these are volunteer fire companies, there is still a tremendous financial burden placed on local municipalities to support fire protection services," said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker. "The consolidation of these two companies will not only bring cost savings for the municipalities, but will result in a more efficient fire service for the region."

The newly formed Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company will combine vehicles and equipment inventories, with a total of 10 available apparatus. The new company expects to remove at least one major piece of apparatus from its replacement schedule, saving taxpayers more than $500,000 in the short-term and producing even greater long-term savings. Additionally, with a total of 80 volunteers, Black Rock will have a more coordinated operation that will efficiently respond to calls.

The Governor's Center for Local Government Services (GCLGS), housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development, aided the consolidation. GCLGS provides technical resources for companies considering consolidation.

"The assistance that Rob Brady from GCLGS provided to our two companies was invaluable," said Jim Callahan, co-chair of the local consolidation committee. "The knowledge and experience that Rob shared with us, along with providing a neutral third-party perspective to our discussions, really helped us to achieve a better, faster outcome than we could have accomplished by ourselves."

The center serves as a resource for local government officials, developers, and citizens interested in planning to improve, grow and enhance communities. It provides valuable tools that will support wise land-use decisions and encourage economic development, a healthy environment, and strong communities.

To learn more about the GCLGS and other Department of Community and Economic Development programs, visit newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Edward Jordan, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development