BRESSLER, Pa. — The doors of the Friendship Fire Company of Bressler are locked, with their services suspended for the foreseeable future.
On Wednesday, the Swatara Township Fire Chief announced that the volunteer fire company was suspended after a complaint was filed to the township. The complaint alleges an incident of racial discrimination by the fire company's affiliated social club.
The Bressler Fire Company will be suspended until the conclusion of an investigation.
In a statement, Commissioner Tom Connolly supported the decision by the fire chief.
"The Township takes these allegations very seriously, especially in light of the history of this issue and this Fire Company's social club," said Connolly.
Devin Davis Jr., who lives a few blocks from the fire company, said he was disturbed by the allegations.
“We shouldn’t have to deal with discrimination or anything like that, especially from these lifesaving services," said Davis Jr.
FOX43 spoke with a firefighter of the Friendship Fire Company of Bressler, who chose not to go on-camera for an interview. He was disappointed by the township’s decision and added that the social club does not reflect the actions of the fire department.
Another Swatara Township commissioner expressed concern over the announcement and said he wants the investigation to play out.
“Before you go to that extent and shut a firehouse down, is there such a thing as being innocent before proven guilty?" asked Michael Tuckey during Wednesday's Swatara Township board meeting.
FOX43 reached out to the Swatara Township commissioners and the Swatara Township Fire Chief to discuss the allegations. At this time, there has been no response.
In a statement, Swatara Township announced that it would not provide further comment while the Bressler Fire Company is being investigated.