Fallowfield Township VFC invests in Engine 1 upgrade

The project was a more affordable solution than purchasing a new vehicle.

About two years ago, the truck committee at Fallowfield Township Volunteer Fire Company began having a serious conversation.

Engine 1, a 2006 apparatus, has faithfully served the community for nearly two decades but was approaching the point where replacement had to be considered.

On paper, the discussion made sense. Fire engines have a lifespan, Chief Anthony Fleming said, because wear and tear is inevitable and they usually last about 20 years.

Technology evolves and safety standards change, and like most things, that kind of apparatus is not cheap.

The committee began pricing a new engine with specifications similar to Engine 2, purchased in 2019.

In just a few short years, costs had climbed dramatically.

A new Engine 1, built to nearly the same specifications as the 2019 model, would now cost close to $1 million, and that figure did not include equipment. Compared to previous pricing, that represented an increase of well over $350,000.

For a volunteer fire company that prides itself on responsible stewardship of community donations, that number demanded careful thought.

After reviewing the options, running the numbers and leaning on the same disciplined, business-minded approach that has guided the organization for years, the committee made a decision.

A full replacement simply did not make financial sense for the company or for the residents it serves.

Instead, they chose a path that reflects who they are.

Rather than purchase a new engine, the company invested in significant upgrades to extend the life of the existing 2006 Engine 1.

Thanks to the steady support of the community and the success of ongoing fundraising efforts, those improvements became possible.

The upgrades were extensive. All halogen lighting was replaced with modern LED lighting, improving visibility and efficiency. An LED water tank level gauge was added. Worn switches were upgraded. Pump gauges were replaced. The pump primer system was converted to an air primer. The motor and pump were inspected, with repairs and water valve rebuilds completed where needed. Electrical receptacles were added in compartments to support battery charging, helping the department transition toward modern battery-powered equipment.

These improvements will not give Engine 1 another 20 years, but they will extend its reliable service life and ensure it remains safe and effective for the firefighters who depend on it and the community members who rely on it.

“We’re hoping with everything that we have done that we will get at least another five good years out of it,” Fleming said. “A new engine would be nice, but it’s just not feasible.”

This decision is a reminder that volunteer departments across the country face rising costs and difficult choices, often behind the scenes.

When residents attend a fundraiser, drop a donation in a boot drive bucket or support an event, they are not just helping buy equipment. They are helping preserve a tradition of smart, sustainable service.

“Without people buying a fish sandwich or buying a ticket, supporting our fundraisers, we would not be able to do what we do,” Fleming said. “That commitment is what truly keeps the community safe.”