HONESDALE, PA – February 2013

A valued jewel of Wayne County- the Honesdale Fire Department works hard to keep everyone safe

Recently the Honesdale Fire Departments made midnight visit to the Himalayan Institute.  HI’s Director of Local Operations Brian Fulp said, “We’re so lucky here in Wayne County to have this incredible service available to all of our communities. We couldn’t believe that the first responders arrived at our door within six minutes of the alarm going off.”

“As a non-profit volunteer-run group ourselves, we understand the tremendous organization, not to mention effort and sacrifice, that daily go into these firefighters’ service. We wanted to help defray costs they wouldn’t otherwise recover. A donation of $500 was given and we threw in gift certificates for our café so they can have a hot drink on us now that the weather’s turning colder.”

“Beyond that,” Fulp joked, “we hope not to see them again.”

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Dulay said, “We’re proud to serve our community and help folks be safe. We’re all volunteers and not in it for the money. We’re always pleased to accept donations from our constituents, especially after we’ve made an emergency call out to them. It costs a lot just to roll the truck out of the bay. It’s important to raise awareness about fire safety.”

The Honesdale Fire Department maintains four stations, six trucks, and is staffed by about 50 volunteers. As volunteers, these emergency responders hold outside jobs and drop everything when a call comes in, converging on the scene in their private vehicles. They are connected to each other and the emergency response system by high tech communications technology that allows them to stay informed of the situation even while en route. First responders provide an ongoing report on the situation to those still on the road.

The award-winning Honesdale Fire Department has been serving the communities of Honesdale Borough and portions of Dyberry,Cherry Ridge,Oregon,Berlin(Townships), and Bethany Borough since 1843. At the recent Northeast Fireman’s Federation contest of four area counties, the Honesdale team took home five trophies, including one for Best Appearing Horse Drawn Steamer. You can view the fully-operable steamer and other historical firefighting equipment at the corner of Park andMainin the Protection Engine Company No. 3 station.

The Himalayan Institute is a non-profit educational, spiritual, and charitable organization world-renowned for its programming in yoga, meditation, and holistic health. It has established and supports humanitarian projects through sustainable community centers in India, Mexico and Cameroon, West Africa. To learn more about the Himalayan Institute, its programming, or to get driving directions, visit http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/.