Cresson, Lilly fire companies to merge

March 13--CRESSON -- Two neighboring volunteer fire companies are combining their strengths to serve their communities more effectively, leaders say.

Cresson and Lilly fire companies are in the final stages of a corporate merger that would consolidate administrative functions for both companies, Neal Hammond, Cresson Volunteer Fire Company secretary, told Cresson Borough Council Monday.

"This is something we've been working on for five years," said Hammond.

"Cresson and Lilly have been working on becoming one entity," he said. "We are on track to finalize it this year. We are going to be one corporate entity."

Both fire companies are strong in terms of both membership and finances, Cresson fire President Dave Fulton said.

The merger will only affect the volunteer corporation's management functions, Hammond stressed. Both fire stations will remain in operation and firefighters will continue to respond to all calls.

"Cresson residents will not notice any change," he said.

The larger organization can save money and operate more efficiently than two smaller companies, Fulton said.

"There is so much out there," Fulton said. "We can do better together."

Hammond invited council to send delegates to a public officials' informational workshop on the proposed merger.

It is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 23 at the Lilly station.

The fire company representatives would not discuss details of the agreement before the municipal leaders hear the information. There are eight boroughs and townships served by the two fire companies.

"We want to provide the first-hand information to them," Fulton said.

The two fire companies have already been finding ways to join forces, Hammond said.

Last year, the two were able to save about $8,000 by combining insurance policies. This year the savings are expected to increase.

"We were working so hard to make money," Fulton said. "All we had to do was sit down with the insurance carrier and we are saving $8,000.

"That's one less thing we have to go out and do a fundraiser for."

Hammond's announcement came during his presentation of the Cresson fire company's annual report to council.

Cresson was able to buy and put into service a new fire $650,000 engine to replace a 1990 engine that was deemed unsafe by the federal government, Hammond told council.

Financing for the truck included a $475,000 federal grant, local fundraising and a $125,000 state loan at 2 percent interest.

Council President Michael J. Zabinsky Jr. said he has received no negative comments about the pending merger.

"I really think it's good," Zabinsky said. "It's gotten to the point where you can't survive individually."

Randy Griffith is a multimedia reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 532-5057. Follow him on Twitter @PhotoGriffer57.

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