Click here to subscribe today or Login.
By JENNIFER HENN; Times Leader Correspondent
Saturday, December 07, 1996 Page: 7A
WEST WYOMING — It’s not often Hose Co. #2 asks for money. In fact, it has
been 14 years since members held their last fund drive.
But a costly roof repair threatens to collapse on the volunteer fire
company, which covers the borough’s southern half.
“These were things that had to be done. We couldn’t put them off any
longer,” Assistant Fire Chief John Salvo said of a $30,000 bill to repair a
leaky roof, stucco exterior and broken windows.
In good times, the company with 12 firefighters runs on an $8,000 annual
budget funded, in large part, by the state-run Fireman’s Release Money and a
$1,000 contribution from the borough.
But without an additional $15,000 to help revive its sagging coffers, the
hose company could be forced to close before the decade is up.
That is why Salvo and his crew are spearheading a fund drive that began in
September and runs through December.
So far, the response has been disappointing. “We’re only getting about a 50
percent response from residents and less than 50 percent from local
businesses,” Salvo said.
Borough Mayor William Schalles hopes the fund drive succeeds. “As far as
I’m concerned we can never have enough protection.”
A small hose company from a small community, Hose Co. #2 answers between 70
and 100 calls a year, similar to the number handled by Hose Co. #1.
With the funds they have now, the volunteers could continue for three,
maybe four years.
“We have to look at the long-term picture,” Salvo said. “If we don’t do it
now I’m afraid we’ll be out of business.”
To contribute to the fund drive, call Hose Co. #2 at 693-1234.