Note: The following letter from Dewey Fire Company in Hellertown is being shared with readers at the fire company’s request.
Dear Neighbors,
As a volunteer fire company, we are so thankful for your support. Our slogan is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” That is actually who we are, your neighbors on a mission–to keep you safe and out of harm’s way. To keep this community safe, we as your fire company have made many improvements not only to increase our efficiency, but to ensure your trust in our financial responsibility.
The Dewey Fire Company #1 begins with the word TRUST. We certainly understand some resistance in the community toward donating to Dewey, as a direct result of theft-related losses sustained by the fire company. Clearly, substantial, effective changes to our systems of accountability were in order.
Dewey Fire Co. No. 1 in Hellertown (FILE PHOTO)
Dewey Fire Company has worked diligently with the Hellertown Police Department and the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office to address the three known incidents that impacted our community, and to rectify the deficient systems and procedures that allowed them to go undetected. As a result of these events, we have learned to communicate more clearly and effectively with one another, to be more transparent as an organization, and most importantly, remain accountable to our community.
Our annual audits are now prepared professionally. We are now using a software program to better serve our financial needs. We have installed a new system in our social club and event center to improve tracking of all inventory and purchases, so that we can become better stewards. All of these improvements were necessary, and the aftermath of our losses has proved to be a costly eye-opener.
The entire Dewey Fire Company family wants to reassure you, the residents of Hellertown and Lower Saucon, that we freely acknowledge mistakes were made and we pledge to do better. We take the past thefts very seriously and with the implementation of the changes described here, we will strive to be a stronger and more cohesive company.
We stand ready to answer any of your questions, moving forward. We are going to use social media as a way of communicating all the positive changes that will enhance our company. The Dewey Fire Co. #1 assures you we are very proud to serve you and that we will continue to build on our historic legacy dating back to 1898. Thank you so much for your understanding. We are always looking for neighbors to volunteer and assist with our helping our neighbors in their time of need.
Sincerely,
Your neighbors at Dewey Fire Company #1
