Pa. Fire Company Seeking Support Amid Scandal
Source Standard-Speaker, Hazleton, Pa.
Feb. 29--Firefighters need the Village of Tresckow and Banks Township to step up to help reorganize the Tresckow Volunteer Fire Company.
For the past six months or so, a cloud has been hanging over the fire company amid reports state police are looking into the handling of the fire company social club's finances.
The investigation continues and no one has been charged in relation to thousands of dollars in unpaid bills. The social club has been locked up for six months and no revenue has been generated for the fire company.
In the past, the social club of the fire company operated separately and funds from that operation helped pay the fire company's bills.
Revenue dwindled and eventually stopped altogether. Bills backed up and services needed to stay open were either turned off or disconnected at the social club's bar and social hall, a site the Banks Township supervisors used for meetings until the latter part of 2011.
The supervisors have stepped in and paid some of the bills to keep the fire station operating.
Joe Geusic, the newly appointed fire chief, assured residents of Tresckow and Banks Township that its volunteers are operating and responding to fires.
"We have good dedicated volunteers," Geusic said.
Geusic said the fire company needs the help of its residents during its reorganization, including more volunteers and support membership.
The company trains every Tuesday at the fire station and Geusic is inviting anyone interested to attend those training sessions.
"We're hoping and looking for the town to step up and support us," Geusic said.
He said the fire company is in the process of clearing some of the debt that was established without their knowledge. And there are some other issues that have to be taken care, Geusic said, in particular the renewal of a license that helped raise money at one time.
"For example, a small games of chance license will expire if it isn't renewed," Geusic said.
Geusic and some of the veteran firefighters are spearheading a membership drive. Any resident of Banks Township who wishes to become a member can join by stopping at the fire station on Tuesdays or Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. or contacting any firefighter.
The next step for recovery is an election of a board of trustees. A meeting will take place March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the fire station. Only members of the fire company are eligible for election to the board of trustees.
"In reorganizing the company we're trying to look forward and we hope we are heading in the right direction," Geusic said.
Copyright 2012 - Standard-Speaker, Hazleton, Pa.
