Bucks County has taken a critical step forward in addressing the evolving needs of its fire service by establishing the Bucks County Fire Service Advisory Board (FSAB). The decision came during a Wednesday meeting where Bucks County Commissioners voted in favor of creating this advisory board, which comprises four volunteer fire chiefs and three career fire chiefs, all selected by their peers.
As per information from Bucks County's official announcement, the aim of the FSAB is to serve as a unified voice for the county's fire service community. Adam Selisker, FSAB chair and chief of the Northampton Township Fire Department, underscored the importance of this unity, stating, "We're proud to represent the entire fire service of Bucks County." This initiative surfaces at a juncture marked by changes within the service, characterized by a drop in volunteerism, coupled with a rise in professional staffing demands across the county.
Addressed by George Wilson, for the interim Director of Emergency Management in Bucks County, the board is set to tackle concerns ranging from firefighter training to enhanced collaboration with County resources. These efforts are directed at bolstering the capacities of fire companies throughout Bucks County, a sentiment echoed by Wilson's analysis of the current state of the county's fire service landscape.
The County Commissioners' unanimous vote validates the importance of the FSAB and demonstrates their commitment to reinforcing the county's fire service infrastructure. Commissioner Vice Chair Bob Harvie acknowledged the board members' dedication, "For all the board members who are putting in extra time now on top of everything else that you already do, it means a lot." These members represent different districts and facets of Bucks County's fire community, as points of connection and collaboration among their peers.
The selected FSAB members reflect the diverse fire service within Bucks County. Adam Selisker is the chair, Gary Laird is the co-chair, and chiefs Scott Fleischer, Glenn Forsyth, Robert Sponheimer, Keith Butler, and Tim Brewer round out the voting membership.
