Middletown supervisors approve $3.77 million for three new fire engines

Middletown Township’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Oct. 16 to authorize the purchase of three new Pierce fire engines, a decision the board and local chiefs said responds to recommendations from a 2021 fire services study and a multi‑department apparatus replacement plan. "The budget for this proposal is projected to not exceed $3,772,000," Chief Antoszewski told the board, describing the purchase as a way to replace four aging apparatus and provide reliable protection for the next 15 years.

The proposal, developed jointly by the four volunteer fire chiefs and township staff, followed a Dynamics-conducted study completed in 2021 that evaluated fleet needs and suggested an apparatus replacement schedule. Chief Antoszewski said one engine would be assigned to Langhorne Middletown Fire Company, one to William Penn Fire Company, and one to the career staff of Middletown Township Fire and Emergency Services. The township will own, maintain and insure each engine, and the funding will come from a newly created fire apparatus fund.

Board members commended volunteer fire companies and staff for their long-term work on the plan, characterizing the decision as the product of months of compromise and collaboration. One supervisor noted the intent to relieve some financial burden on volunteer companies while ensuring consistent municipal-level service.

A motion to authorize the purchase using CoStar pricing from Glick Fire Equipment of Bird and Hand, Pennsylvania was moved and seconded and carried 4-0 in a voice vote. The meeting record shows the motion capped the total at $3,772,000.

Next steps: The township will proceed with procurement under the board’s authorization and use the new fire apparatus fund to cover the cost. The board did not detail delivery timelines during the meeting.