Mayor Ed Brown Provides Update on Fire Department Service Operations

Upper Darby, PA — March 25, 2026 — Mayor Ed Brown, in coordination with the Township’s Chief Administrative Officer, has been fully briefed by Fire Chief Nicholas Martin and is actively overseeing the implementation of operational directives within the Upper Darby Township Fire Department (UDFD) to ensure the continued delivery of safe, effective, and reliable fire protection services to Township residents.

On March 25, 2026, the UDFD issued an internal memorandum outlining directives focused on strengthening operational consistency and firefighter safety. Among these directives is the reaffirmation of an existing policy requiring that the officer in charge of any fire apparatus hold a Fire Officer I certification, a nationally recognized minimum standard for this role. This requirement has been in place within the UDFD since at least 2020.

Prior to implementation, volunteer fire company leadership was notified during a meeting held on March 23, 2026, during which the policy and expectations were reviewed.

Fire apparatus responding to emergencies must be staffed with properly trained personnel, including a qualified officer. This standard is critical to ensuring safe and effective emergency operations. Fire scenes are inherently dangerous environments, and adherence to established training and command requirements is essential to protect both residents and firefighters. In addition, failure to enforce recognized safety standards can expose municipalities—and ultimately taxpayers—to significant legal and financial liability.

Shortly after the memorandum was issued, leadership of the Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Company (Station 20) notified the UDFD that they did not have a qualified officer available to staff apparatus in compliance with the policy. As a result, they were advised that apparatus could not respond to calls until a qualified officer was available.

It is important to clarify that Station 20 has not been ordered out of service by the UDFD. Station 20 remains able—and is encouraged—to respond to any emergency call for which they are dispatched, provided that the responding crew meets the established minimum training requirements. Under UDFD policy, apparatus may return to service immediately upon the availability of a qualified officer.

Despite this, Station 20 subsequently placed itself “out of service,” meaning it would not be dispatched to emergency calls.

Department records indicate that Station 20 has at least 15 members who meet the Fire Officer I certification requirement.

The UDFD values and supports the contributions of its volunteer firefighters and remains committed to working collaboratively with volunteer leadership to resolve this matter. Efforts are currently underway to expedite access to necessary training programs to ensure compliance with established standards.

Residents should be assured that fire protection services remain fully operational. Mutual aid partners have been notified and are prepared to assist as needed to maintain appropriate response coverage. Additionally, the UDFD continues to staff 15 on-duty career firefighters across the Township’s remaining four stations, ensuring uninterrupted emergency response and community safety.

The Township remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of public safety while supporting all members of its fire service.