A critical part of the operation of any fire company is having an adequate water hose to extinguish fires, protecting lives and property. Thanks to a $67,000 grant that it received from the Department of Community and Economic Development, Honey Brook Fire Company No. 1 (HBFC) will now be able to purchase and replace the outdated fire hose on its frontline apparatus, as well as replenish the spare inventory. 

The high-quality hose produced by Mercedes Textiles will allow the HBFC to continue to provide a high level of fire suppression services to the communities it serves, including Honey Brook Borough, Honey Brook Township and parts of Salisbury and Caernarvon townships, for at least another decade. 

The HBFC began the hose replacement project nearly one year ago, working in conjunction with Honey Brook Borough and Rep. Dan Williams.

"We had to apply for the grant, but they get a lot of applicants. Rep. Williams penned a letter of support fighting our case as to why we should receive the grant and the funding," explained assistant fire chief Ryan Plank. "Today, with the rising costs of equipment and fire apparatus, it's so expensive to operate a fire department that grants are becoming more and more sought after and becoming more competitive."

Plank noted that the grant was specifically needed for the fire hose replacement project as directed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes codes and standards related to fire, electrical and building safety. "Fire hoses should be replaced every 10 years according to the NFPA. They control the standards that all fire departments adhere to," noted Plank. "We were just over that by a year."

"You can't go to a store and buy (a fire hose)," Plank added. "It's highly specialized, and there are safety requirements, and there are only a few manufacturers."

Williams visited Station 33 on May 22 to meet with the fire company officers and officials from Honey Brook Borough. He also took part in a tour of the station. "We wanted to give (Williams) a tour of the fire house, show off our equipment and capability and educate him on our operations," said Plank. "We wanted to say thank you. It's a big deal for us."

"The support and hard work from Rep. Williams and his office, Honey Brook Borough Mayor Matthew Halvorsen and Honey Brook Borough Council president Bill Ford has been second to none," said fire chief Gary Ream following the visit. "Without their efforts, securing this instrumental funding on behalf of the HBFC would not have been possible."

HBFC has provided 100% volunteer fire and rescue services since 1892, responding to more than 400 emergency calls annually. Plank pointed out that as the local community has grown, so has the need for services. Over the last three years, the HBFC has experienced record numbers in call volume and now provides first-alarm coverage to a total of 15 municipalities in Chester and Lancaster counties. 

The all-volunteer fire company regularly holds fundraisers, including a consignment auction, an Amish wedding dinner and chicken barbecues. "We have chicken barbecue fundraisers ... but getting a grant of this magnitude is huge for the company," said Plank.

Those interested in financially supporting the fire company may make a donation at http://www.honeybrookfire.org, or they may deliver a donation personally on Mondays between 7 and 10 p.m. when the fire company holds its weekly in-house training.

The fire company is also in need of volunteers. "We are always looking for able-bodied folks that want to get involved and want to help," Plank noted. "You don't have to be in turnout gear fighting fires. We need administrative help, fire police officers that control traffic and drivers. It's a great way to serve the community."

Honey Brook Fire Company is located at 679 Firehouse Lane, Honey Brook. To learn more, visit the previously mentioned website or http://www.facebook.com/HoneyBrookFire. Those with questions may call 610-273-2688 or email info@honeybrookfire.org.