Pinecroft Fire Co. Agrees to Merger Talks with Bellwood Excelsior

Deal News | Apr 05, 2025 | EIN

The Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Company is considering a merger with Bellwood Excelsior Fire Department No. 1, following initial resistance. The discussion comes as part of Antis Township's strategic allocation of funds to these fire companies. The potential merger is driven by escalating costs of equipment and the need for improved community safety. While the merger is seen as beneficial, there are concerns regarding the possible closure of Pinecroft's fire station. The township's recent study highlighted financial and operational efficiencies as key merger advantages. Funding allocation currently favors Excelsior due to their active firefighter count. A DCED-facilitated study will further inform the decision-making process, with all parties acknowledging the challenges and benefits of a merger.

Sectors

Public Safety
Municipal Governance

Geography

United States – The events are taking place in Antis Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Pennsylvania – Pinecroft and Bellwood Excelsior Fire Departments operate in Antis Township, Blair County, which is located in Pennsylvania.

Industry

Public Safety – The article involves volunteer fire companies which are part of the public safety infrastructure providing emergency services to communities.
Municipal Governance – Involves township supervisors and the distribution of funds to fire companies, demonstrating the governance aspect of municipal management and public resource allocation.

Financials

$125,000 – Annual spending by the township on fire services.
$350,000 to nearly $1 million – Increase in the cost of firefighting trucks over recent years.
91% to Excelsior ($49,000) and 9% to Pinecroft ($4,900) – Distribution of funds based on the number of active firefighters.

Participants

Name	Role	Type	Description
Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Company	Target	Company	A volunteer fire service organization considering a merger with Bellwood Excelsior.
Bellwood Excelsior Fire Department No. 1	Bidding Company	Company	The fire department proposing a merger with Pinecroft to enhance operational efficiency and community safety.
Antis Township Supervisors	Government	Government	Local government body involved in the distribution of funds and facilitating discussions of the merger.
Caleb Keller	Chief of Pinecroft	Person	Chief of Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Company, currently supportive of merger discussions.
Jack McCloskey	Chief of Excelsior	Person	Chief of Bellwood Excelsior Fire Department advocating for the merger.
Brian Kustaborder	Supervisors Chairman	Person	Chairman of the township supervisors, emphasizing the financial advantages of a merger.
Doug Brown	Township Manager	Person	Manager of Antis Township, noted for his role in supporting the potential merger.
Ben Hornberger	Supervisor and Pinecroft Member	Person	A member of both the township supervisors and Pinecroft, supportive of limited funding.
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)	Study Facilitator	Government	A government department that will facilitate the study on the potential merger.