LEEPER, Pa. (EYT) – Construction has already started on a two-stall garage addition to the Farmington Township Volunteer Fire Company Station in Leeper and fundraising continues for the needed $145,000.00 project.

Fundraising is important for the fire company that covers all of Farmington Township, half of Knox Township, and half of Highland Township; it is an all-volunteer company and receives no fire tax money from Farmington Township.  Knox Township and Highland Township do have designated fire taxes and provide some funding.

“We’ve raised about $30,000.00, but there is still a long way to go,” said Mark Allio, chairman of the fire company board of directors.  “Anyone interested in contributing should call the fire hall at 814- 744-8514 or visit our Facebook page.”

Donations were also requested in an annual donation fund drive letter.

The group’s annual fundraisers are the August barbeque, a gun raffle, and a boot drive several times a year at the intersection of Route 36 and 66 near the fire hall.

“Once we get the garage completed, we’re looking at starting a new fund raiser, an outdoor expo to showcase the great outdoors,” said Allio. “We’re hoping to get a lot of interest with that one.”

Need for the project

The 42X50 foot two-stall garage addition, with a drive-through bay, is needed to house the fire company’s vehicles. FTVFC currently has five trucks housed in a four-stall garage, built in 1983.

FTVFC has also taken on rescue services after the former Farmington Area Ambulance Service graciously donated their rescue truck to the fire company.

“Already housing two engines, a tanker, and a brush unit along with all the necessary additional equipment to provide for our communities, the need for a bigger station became apparent. and the best course of action was to expand the fire station.” wrote the board of directors.  “The project also includes updating the original garage with a new roof, siding, and adding insulation to make it more energy efficient.”

Allio said the FTVFC currently has about 20 active members and 45 distinguished lifetime members, some of who are considered active.  Anyone who has served 20 years with FTVFC is considered a distinguished lifetime member.

Other board members in addition to Allio include Walt Karg, Henry Karg, Carl Kahle, and Robert Heasley.