Bensalem Dems: Mayor Should Reinstate Union Fire Co.

In reaction to yesterday’s news of the township suspending ., Chairman Joseph Cummons today issued the following release:

"Today, I call on Mayor DiGirolamo to immediately resume operations at Union Fire Company in the interest of public safety and stability for the residents of Bensalem Township but most importantly the communities and businesses having been served by this longstanding volunteer fire company."

"The township has overstepped its bounds in this dispute. The fact is the rank and file of the Union Fire Company voted to select a new person to lead their organization which any organization has the legal right to do so. Bensalem Township has no legal standing in dictating who should be the fire chief at any of our volunteer fire companies throughout Bensalem Township. Secondly, the Union Fire Company with its close proximity to our river through grant money purchased a fire/rescue watercraft that can be used for rescue operations and extinguishing fires from on the water with the ability to use water from the river. This purchase was made with all grant money and not one penny of taxpayer dollars was used so why does Bensalem Township specifically Director Harran want the unit sold?"

"I am willing to act as a mediator in this dispute between Mayor DiGirolamo and Union Fire Company by offering to meet with the Mayor and the Union Fire Company Chief to discuss all documented issues the township claims need to be addressed under the condition the Mayor immediately reopen the Union Fire Company while both sides discuss their concerns in an open and honest format."

"I also request that Mayor DiGirolamo remove Director Harran from all day to day dealings with Union Fire Company effective immediately and that he as Mayor take the lead in resolving this issue with the residents of Bensalem Township."