Greenfields Fire Company announced that Bern Township will officially decertify the department as of April 1, 2025, following a decision by the township’s Board of Supervisors.
In a statement released by the fire company, officials said the township first raised concerns about fire protection in December 2024, holding a special meeting on December 16 to discuss the matter. According to the fire company, the township initially planned to decertify the department but instead offered a three-month contract to allow for operational improvements.
The fire company stated that the agreement, which was signed on January 7, 2025, was drafted by the township and its solicitor without input from the department, making it “very difficult to abide by.” The contract included an option for extension beyond the three-month period.
On February 28, the fire company said it received notice via email and regular mail that the township would not extend the agreement past April 1.
Fire company members attended the March 4 Board of Supervisors meeting in an attempt to defend their position, according to the statement. The fire company said it had taken steps to improve operations, including bringing in new members and ensuring weekday staffing at the fire station. Despite these efforts, the township voted to move forward with decertification, the statement said.
As of April 2, Greenfields Fire Company will no longer be authorized to provide fire protection services in Bern Township. Fire coverage for the township is expected to continue through mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire companies.
