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Pa. fire department ends service after 118 years

Citing a lack of volunteers, rising costs and declining revenue, the East Prospect Fire Company will shut down at year’s end

EAST PROSPECT, Pa. — East Prospect Fire Company will officially close at the end of the year, bringing more than 118 years of service in York County to an end. The volunteer department has long been a fixture in the borough, and many residents say the decision came as a complete surprise.

In a Facebook post, department leaders said East Prospect Fire Company will close due to a combination of too few volunteers, rising operating costs and declining revenue, making it impossible to continue providing service, FOX 43 reported.

For many residents, the loss feels like more than just a fire station closing; it is the loss of a sense of security and peace of mind.

Other residents are concerned about longer response times once outside agencies take over. Neighboring departments, including Craley Fire Department, are preparing to cover parts of East Prospect’s territory after the closure, but many neighbors say it won’t replace the reassurance of having their own hometown volunteers just minutes away.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.