Londonderry removes Paxtang Fire Company from deployment plan amid litigation

Londonderry Township — The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted May 6 to remove Paxtang Fire Company No. 1 from the township’s Fire Deployment Plan (the local “Box Card” system) after the Township Solicitor described ongoing litigation between the Borough and the fire company and warned municipalities they could face indemnification claims if Paxtang continues to provide services in areas where the Borough asserts control.

Solicitor James Diamond explained that the Borough “no longer recognizes the Fire Company as their Fire Department” and that the Borough has begun notifying municipalities that it may seek indemnification and contribution if the Paxtang company provides services in municipal areas. He said municipalities had been advised to remove Paxtang from their deployment lists.

Supervisor Ron Kopp raised a question about the Township’s potential liability; Diamond advised the Board that retaining Paxtang on the Box Card could expose the Township to claims. The Board approved a motion from Supervisor Mel Hershey, seconded by Supervisor Anna Dale, to remove Paxtang Fire Company from Londonderry’s Fire Deployment Plan. The minutes describe the action as largely a formality mirroring steps taken by neighboring municipalities.

The Board did not vote on replacement coverage at the meeting or discuss alternative mutual-aid arrangements in detail.