In the second part of dueling press releases, Bristol Township which originally said it would release a statement Monday in response to a Newportville Fire Company release, reversed itself and just released the following statement to the media moments ago.
The statement in its entirety is below:
Bristol Township is aware of the public statement released by Newportville Fire Company regarding potential action before Township Council at its August meeting.
The Township recognizes and respects the many volunteer firefighters who have served the Newportville community throughout its history. This matter is not about the dedication or sacrifice of individual volunteers. It is about the Township’s legal responsibility to ensure reliable, accountable, and effective fire protection for all residents.
As outlined in correspondence from the Township’s legal counsel dated July 10, the Township has spent years working with Newportville Fire Company to address significant operational, governance, and compliance concerns. Multiple opportunities were provided to improve performance and strengthen the company’s ability to serve as part of Bristol Township’s overall fire protection system.
Unfortunately, despite those efforts, the Township has concluded that the necessary improvements have not occurred. Recent compliance audit findings, longstanding operational concerns, and continued issues involving leadership and accountability have reinforced the Township’s responsibility to evaluate changes that best protect the public.
Any ordinance considered by Township Council will be discussed during a public meeting in August. No action has been taken to date, and Council members will review all relevant information before making any decision.
Should Council approve the proposed changes, fire protection services will continue uninterrupted. Emergency response coverage will be provided through the Township’s remaining volunteer fire companies, supported by the Bristol Township Fire Rescue Department. The Township’s priority remains maintaining and strengthening emergency services for every resident and business.
“We understand this is an emotional issue, particularly for those who have devoted years of volunteer service,” said Mazur. “Our obligation, however, is to make decisions based on public safety, accountability, and the long-term reliability of emergency services for our entire community. That responsibility guides every recommendation brought before Township Council.”
Bristol Township remains committed to transparency throughout this process and encourages residents to attend the public meeting and review the information presented before any final action is taken.
Nancy Leto
July 13, 2026 at 7:06 am
I sure hope that Craig Bowen thinks and votes the same way he would if his parents still lived in the local neighborhood. Too many people rely on that station for services for council to not try EVERYTHING before closing it down – the extra time it takes for fire and emergency response to arrive will most surely incur the grand cost of human life, when restructuring and management can be implemented.