Falls Twp., Croydon Fire Companies Get State Money For Building Renovations

Two local volunteer fire companies will be overhauling their facilities with the help of state funds.

The Croydon Fire Company in Bristol Township and Falls Township Fire Company in Fallsington both plan to use the state grant monies to make sure their stations are able to serve the area into the future.

The Croydon Fire Company will receive $1 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding, according to an announcement.

The project will entail two phases. The oldest parts of the present building will be demolished in the first stage, while newer areas like the engine bays will be saved. The addition’s construction will take place in phase two. The renovations and new construction will include the engine room, an improved equipment decontamination space, added office space, and fresh sleeping quarters.

“Our organization is a completely volunteer fire company that serves a very challenging area, protecting residents, schools, and businesses between an industrial chemical plant, three major highways, and the Delaware River,” said Croydon Fire Company President Bob Struble.  

The Croydon Fire Company has bee around for more than 100 years and serves the Croydon section of Bristol Township. It also assists with man calls in Bensalem Township, Bristol Borough, and other sections of its home township.

At a press conference Tuesday morning, State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Tina Davis, both Democrats, announced the funding that comes through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program that is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget.

“The upgraded space will streamline fire station operations, ensuring the volunteers of the Croydon Fire Company have the resources they need to respond to community emergencies safely and efficiently,” Santarsiero said.

“The renovated building’s upgraded operations will enable its firefighters to more quickly get to residents in danger. This is literally lifesaving funding and I thank Governor Wolf for approving its allocation,” Davis said.

Struble, the fire company president, said he was pleased with funding. He also thanked Davis’ chief of staff, Bryan Allen, for helping the fire company complete the paperwork.

“This funding is crucial to allowing us to make the necessary improvements to our station to meet these challenges. We are grateful to Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Tina Davis for the incredible efforts,” Struble said.

Fire Chief Tom Tryon additionally announced the fire company will receive $167,000 in state funds to purchase new vehicles.

Davis, who lives in Croydon, said the fire company’s equipment took a beating during the July 2021 flooding event that slammed the area and during other recent storms.

Through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, the Falls Township Fire Company in the township’s Fallsington section will receive $1 million to renovate their station on Yardley Avenue.

The station has served the community since it was built in 1958. There has been additions and renovation, but work is needed to bring the station into the 21st century.

The grant money will go toward demolition, the renovation of the existing structure, the construction of an addition to the building, and a new facade. The project will encompass the apparatus bays, administration space, storage areas, upgrading sleeping areas, showers, workout areas, radio communications, technology upgrades, a training room, and kitchen and day room area improvements.

“As we move towards our 100th year of operation, the current firehouse needs updating,” said Falls Township Fire Company President Michael McClellan Jr. “In order to serve Falls Township, investments are needed to update our facility with the modern amenities required to provide Fire Protection in the 21^st Century. The upgrades will benefit our greatest assets, our members. Falls Township and the areas we respond to with our Lower Bucks mutual aid partners, will benefit exponentially with the investment made by this grant.”

Santarsiero and State Rep. John Galloway, both Democrats, announced the grant. Santarsiero visited the fire station Tuesday and toured it, but Galloway was unable to attend due to illness.

Chief Andy Hilbert and Vice President Rich Behrmann III took Santarsiero on a tour of the current facility. They showed off their freshly-renovated day room named in honor of fallen comrade Geary “Von” Hoffman.

“This will better serve the communities,” Santarsiero said.

“I’m pleased these funds will be used to upgrade the existing firehouse and add a new addition to the property, which will make it easier for the firefighters to do serve the community,” Galloway said in a statement.

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