Blair Co., Judge Halts Decertification Of Pinecroft Vol. Fire Co.

Blair County Judge Lou Schmitt has granted a preliminary injunction halting the scheduled decertification of the Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Company by Antis Township Supervisors.  The ruling stops the township’s plan to force a merger with Excelsior Fire Department No. 1.  Township supervisors spent years pushing for a merger after state studies suggested a single department was the way to go.  Their goal was to make sure they had enough boots on the ground for emergencies, a better way to handle soaring gear costs, and a guarantee that training stayed top-notch. The conflict between the two fire companies stems from Pinecroft being absorbed into what is viewed as the stronger Excelsior Company, causing Pinecroft to lose its identity.  A formal hearing to address the dispute has been set for March 26^th.