Fire department gets new SCBAs via regional grant; council approves promotions and appointments amid a chief’s planned retirement

The Lock Haven City Council received an update from fire personnel about a regional Assisted Firefighters Grant that provided new self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) and spare cylinders for area departments. A chief speaking for the department said the regional grant covered equipment for eight companies, Lock Haven’s allocation included 47 SCBAs and 47 spare cylinders, and the city’s cash match was roughly $30,000 (about 5% in‑kind/cash as described in the meeting). The chief said crews have already used the new equipment on multiple recent calls.

In new business connected to the department’s transition, staff told the council that the current chief will retire on Sept. 3. The fire advisory board recommended internal promotions and appointments to maintain continuity: appointing Jacob Neff as a full‑time driver/trainee effective July 25 (and full driver effective Sept. 3), naming Tyler Wooding as fire chief, Eric Grungard deputy fire chief, and Jake Nell assistant fire chief. Council moved and approved the appointments.

Councilmembers thanked the chief for arranging the regional grant application and noted that the grant significantly reduced capital expenses that otherwise would have been budgeted for the department.