Plumstead Makes History With Swearing In Of Township's First Career Firefighters

PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA — Plumstead Township marked a historic milestone Wednesday with the swearing-in of its first career firefighters and the official establishment of the Plumstead Township Fire and Rescue Department.

The Honorable Jeffrey G. Trauger, a lifelong Plumstead Township resident, administered the oath of office. Judge Trauger has a special connection to the township's fire service. His late mother, Lois Hunsberger Trauger, was a longtime member of the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary.

The initial career crew includes:

• Rachel Brick, Plumstead Township career firefighter
• Benjamin Morris, Plumstead Township career firefighter
• Daniel Pfeiffer, Plumstead Township career firefighter
• Harley Turner, Plumstead Township firefighter, who was unable to attend the swearing-in ceremony

The career firefighters will serve as the initial crew of the newly-created Plumstead Township Fire and Rescue Department, led by Fire Chief William Weigman under the direction of Public Safety Director David Mettin.

The creation of a career fire crew represents a significant step in the township's ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency response and provide a consistent level of fire protection and emergency services to the community, said township officials.

The career firefighters will work in coordination with Plumstead Township's volunteer fire companies and the volunteers who have served the community for generations to provide an enhanced level of service to the township.

Public Safety Director David Mettin emphasized the importance of the milestone and the responsibility that comes with establishing the township's career fire service.

“This is an exciting and historic moment for Plumstead Township. These firefighters are becoming part of a long tradition of service provided by our volunteer fire companies, while also helping us build a stronger and more dependable response system for our residents. We are proud to welcome Rachel, Ben, Daniel, and Harley to the township's fire service, and we look forward to the professionalism, dedication, and commitment they will bring to our community.”

Fire helmets on display at the swearing-in ceremony. (Plumstead Township)

The new career officers are pinned following the swearing-in ceremony. (Plumstead Township)

Township officials also recognized the significance of having Judge Trauger administer the oath, given his family's connection to Plumstead's volunteer fire service.

“Having Judge Trauger administer the oath made this evening particularly meaningful,” said Plumstead Manager Stacey Mulholland. “His family's connection to the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company is a reminder of the long history of residents stepping forward to serve their neighbors. Tonight's ceremony honors that tradition while beginning a new chapter in Plumstead Township's fire and rescue services.”

The Plumstead Township Fire and Rescue Department will operate as part of the township's combination fire protection system, working alongside the township's volunteer fire companies, including the Plumsteadville Fire Company and the Point Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company, to provide fire protection and emergency response throughout the township.

Beginning on August 13, the Plumstead Township Fire and Rescue Department will respond from Plumsteadville Fire Station 24 using the station's apparatus. The department will operate Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., providing daily staffing, response capabilities, and support for emergency operations.

"This is an exciting milestone for our township and the fire service community. We look forward to working closely with our township volunteers, mutual aid departments, public safety partners, and our community as we begin this new chapter," said Chief William Weigman.