What a busy start to 2017 for the members here at the Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Department. First, and most importantly, we have gained many new members and live-ins. In station training is happening on a daily basis and members continue to take classes at HACC and Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center.

The department has decided to replace our 1998 Seagrave Engine (Engine 59) and our 1993 Mack/4-Guys Tanker (Tanker 59) with a single combination pumper/tanker. This unit will be able to function as an engine and tanker, maintaining our current capabilities. Combining these two pieces of apparatus into one allows us to reduce the costs of replacement and maintenance on two separate rigs as well as help ensure adequate staffing of apparatus by eliminating the need to staff two separate pieces. Our 1998 Seagrave Engine has been sold to the Liberty Fire Company of Williamstown, right here in Dauphin County! We'd like to thank Williamstown and wish them many years of success with an engine that has served us well. The 1993 Mack/4-Guys Tanker will be placed on the market once a delivery date for the new pumper/tanker is determined.

The Department is also pleased to announce that we have received a $100,000 grant for debt reduction thanks to the Dauphin County Gaming Advisory Board. This money will go towards paying off the loan on our 2012 Ferrara Engine (Engine 59-1). This will help to free up funds for the purchase of the new pumper/tanker as well as position the department to work with the Lower Swatara Township Board of Commissioners in implementing a long range apparatus replacement plan.

Rescue 59 has spent the last few weeks at Specialized Equipment in Middletown having new equipment mounted and some of the existing equipment reorganizing and mounted allowing for easier and safer access. Thank you to the R&B Fabrication Team!

Finally, members have been busy cleaning up and reorganizing areas of the station and moving offices around in preparation for Life Lion EMS moving from their current home at the Lower Swatara Township Maintenance Garage to our firehouse. We look forward to having Life Lion EMS joining us, making for an even better working relationship!

These projects have not been quick or easy and have required substantial effort from individuals both inside and outside of the department. The officers and members of the Lower Swatara Township Volunteer Fire Department wish to thank Representative Tom Mehaffie, the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners, the Dauphin County Gaming Advisory Board, the Lower Swatara Township Board of Commissioners, and Lower Swatara Township Public Safety Directer Frank Williamson for all of their help and support. Making these projects become a reality has truely been a team effort and we greatly appreciate all of the support we receive in helping to continue to better serve our community. Finally, we would also like to thank the residents of Lower Swatara Township for their continued support and contributions. We are proud and honored to serve you all and strive to make this a true community department.