W. Penn dedicates Engine 37-11

West Penn Fire Company celebrated its new engine Saturday by hosting a parade and dedication ceremony.

In December, the fire company secured a loan for its newest engine, a 2018 KME Predator Panther Custom Engine, valued at around $396,000.

Since it’s been put into service at the turn of 2018, the engine has seen its fair share of time on the road. West Penn Fire Chief Dennis Fritzinger Jr. said Engine 37-11 has been a huge asset to the team.

“It saw its first structure fire only two weeks after getting it. Since then, we’ve been running it quite a bit,” Fritzinger said.

The vehicle itself is a behemoth, Fritzinger said. It’s able to carry 1,000 gallons of water, 20 gallons of foam and pumps 1,500 gallons of water per minute. It’s also a “first out” vehicle during structure fires and “second out” vehicle for accidents and to meet at landing zones, said Fritzinger.

The department was able to purchase the engine via a 10-year loan for $350,000 through Community Leasing Partners. The department also put $50,000 down for the truck.

The purchase was made possible with the help of other local firefighters, Jason Hartz of Citizens Fire Company in Tamaqua, and West Penn’s own Mark Boyle.

Fritzinger said the purchase was a particularly proud moment for Boyle.

“Mark does so much for other departments — helping them out get the vehicles and equipment they need to operate. I think he was particularly happy he was able to get us this truck because he saw it as a great investment in his own community,” Fritzinger said.

With the loan still to pay off, the West Penn Company hopes to use fundraisers and normal functions like hall rentals and weekly breakfasts to help pay down the bill.

West Penn also received $13,958 from the state’s General Municipal Pension System State Aid Program, which to Fritzinger, is a good start.

“There’s plenty more to be done and we have time to pay it all back. Luckily, we have the support of the township and residents,” Fritzinger said.

Among several companies, Engine 37-11 was the belle of the ball as far as Fritzinger was concerned, saying that the community and department all benefit from the shiny new engine.

“There’s a great sense of pride in getting our new truck. With this piece of apparatus, we are able to protect the citizens of the township in an easier and safer manner,” Fritzinger said. “Not only that, but it improves the communication and safety among our department. Instead of trying to coordinate over radio, we’re able to fit most in the engine and all arrive on scene with a clear plan, which makes all the difference in the end.”

Members of other local fire companies, special guest speakers and those in the community gathered together as Fritzinger started the ceremony.

The dream of purchasing a new fire engine began nearly three years ago, Fritzinger said.

Without the help from private donations and community fundraisers including a monthly breakfast, bingos and a yearly mailing, the West Penn Fire Company would not have been able to raise enough funds to purchase the engine.

Fire engine 37-11 is easier to maintain and includes more safety features compared to West Penn Fire Company’s previous fire engines. This new feature will also provide protection from poor weather conditions.

“With this piece of apparatus, we are able to protect the citizens of the township in an easier and safer manor,” said Fritzinger.

The Rev. Russell Campbell of Zion’s Stone Church of New Ringgold, blessed fire engine 37-11 and the firefighters that it will carry for years to come.

State Rep. Jerry Knowles shared his own experiences of being a firefighter and credited West Penn Fire Company’s success to all of the people that donate their time and effort to the fire company.

Knowles also stressed the financial importance of volunteer fire companies and their role in saving taxpayers billions of dollars.

The dedication ceremony featured other prominent speakers in the community including, West Penn Township Supervisor Tony Prudenti and state Sen. David G. Argall, who shared their experiences with the fire company and the impact that it had on them and the community.

The engine was dedicated to Wayne Troxell, 87. Fritzinger spoke of Troxell’s service and heavy involvement with the fire company over the years and thanked him for all of his hard work.

The crowd gathered outside the West Penn Fire Company to watch Troxell christen fire engine 37-11.

Jessica Knapp contributed to this article.