After two years of planning, Bensalem Township has consolidated six independent volunteer fire companies into a single entity: the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD), writes Leland Pinder for 6 ABC Philadelphia.  

This move brings together Trevose, Cornwells, Eddington, Union, Newport, and Nottingham fire stations under one unified leadership. 

The new BVFD administration, including newly sworn-in chiefs, received unanimous approval from township commissioners at a special meeting on Monday night.  

The primary motivation for this consolidation is the declining number of volunteer firefighters. In the 1970s, Pennsylvania boasted over 300,000 volunteer firefighters; today, that number has dwindled to about 30,000.  

Despite the changes, the mission of the fire service remains steadfast. Aiden Goodson, a 20-year-old volunteer who joined the Trevose Volunteer Fire Department last year, expressed confidence in the continued dedication of the volunteers.  

The consolidation ensures that volunteers will continue to operate from their existing buildings, with new signage and branding to be introduced gradually.  

Officials anticipate improved response times and better resource allocation as a result of this unification. 

Read more about the consolidated Bensalem fire department in 6 ABC Philadelphia.  

Bensalem Twp. is consolidating 6 volunteer fire companies under one entity