Statement on the Finance Committee Fire Protection Oversight Meeting 3-9-26

Finance & Appropriations Committee

Chair: Noah Fields

Michelle Billups

Myron McNeely

Melissa DeNofia-Bozzone

UPPER DARBY TOWNSHIP 

TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

FINANCE AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Statement on the Finance Committee Fire Protection Oversight Meeting

Earlier this week the Finance and Appropriations Committee of Upper Darby Township Council held a public

oversight meeting to better understand how fire protection is funded and how the fire stations where our

firefighters live and work are supported and maintained.

Fire protection is one of the most important responsibilities of local government. As part of Council's oversight

responsibilities, the meeting brought together Council, Mayor Ed Brown, Township Administration, our

professional firefighters, and members of the volunteer fire companies to share information and perspectives

about how the current system operates.

We are grateful to the members of the fire service who participated in the meeting. Both volunteer and

professional firefighters play an important role in protecting Upper Darby residents, and the discussion

reflected the strong commitment that exists across the department to keeping our community safe.

The committee also thanks the volunteer fire companies that participated: Cardington-Stonehurst Fire Co.,

Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Co., Primos-Secane-Westbrook Park Fire Co., Highland Park Fire Co., and Upper

Darby Fire Co.

The meeting created a clear public record about how fire protection funding and fire station facilities are

currently structured in Upper Darby. That information will guide the committee as we work with the Mayor,

Township Administration, the Fire Chief, department leadership, and the volunteer companies to support both

our firefighters and the residents they serve.

We remain committed to ensuring that Upper Darby residents and first responders continue to receive

reliable, well-supported fire protection.

Issued by:

Noah Fields

Vice President, Upper Darby Township Council

Chair, Finance and Appropriations Committee