Upper Darby Township Statement & Press Conference on Fire Company No. 1

Upper Darby Township Statement on Fire Company Number 1

Upper Darby, Pa- Upper Darby Township is aware of the recent statement issued by Fire Company No. 1 regarding the proposed sale of its building. While we respect the long and proud history of volunteer service in our community, it is important to clarify several inaccuracies and provide residents with the full context. 

The Township would like to assure residents that we will take all measures necessary to ensure continued fire protection out of this firehouse and that these events in no way represent a threat or compromise to public safety. There will continue to be staffed fire apparatus operating out of 7241 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, Pa, protecting the community 24/7.  

Due to a sustained decline in volunteer participation over many years, the Township made the necessary decision to implement 24/7 career firefighter staffing to ensure reliable emergency response. This action was not taken lightly, but it was essential to maintain consistent and responsible fire protection services for our community. 

The Upper Darby Township Fire Department remains a combination fire department where volunteers will supplement career staffing when available. We value volunteer firefighters and encourage their participation. However, volunteer participation at Station 37 has been minimal over a sustained period. In fact, Station 37 has only seven operational volunteer members on its roster. Of those members, in 2025 only one volunteer from Station 37 met the department's minimum participation for "active status" - which is responding to 10% of station calls. 

Contrary to recent claims, the Township has not eliminated financial support for the volunteer fire companies. For many years, Upper Darby has provided stipends to each of the five volunteer-owned fire companies to support their operations. That support continues. What has changed is a reasonable effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds. 

The Township has not imposed a burdensome reimbursement-only model. Instead, we have offered flexible options, including direct payment of invoices for legitimate operational expenses, as well as reimbursement where appropriate. This approach is designed to protect public funds while continuing to support volunteer organizations. Unfortunately, to date, the Township has received extremely limited engagement from some volunteer companies regarding these processes. 

Upper Darby Township remains fully supportive of its volunteer fire associations and values their historic contributions. However, that support must be balanced with responsible fiscal oversight and modern public safety standards. 

We remain open and willing to work collaboratively with all volunteer companies to establish clear, organized, and sustainable financial processes moving forward—whether through reimbursement or direct payment systems. 

Our priority is, and will continue to be, delivering safe, reliable emergency services to the residents of Upper Darby while honoring the legacy of those who have served. 

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Upper Darby Township Chief Administrative Officer Crandall Jones & UDFD Fire Chief Nick Martin held a Press Conference with the media on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The following is the press conference in its entirety.