GSFR Wins Statewide Excellence Award
My ELANCO Story
By CAROLE DECK
Correspondent
Garden Spot Fire Rescue was honored with the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence at a ceremony held April 15 at the state Capitol in Harrisburg.
Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, on behalf of Governor Tom Corbett, presented the award for “Building Community Partnerships” to fire department representatives in recognition of Liberty Fire Company and Blue Ball Fire Company’s successful merger on Dec. 5, 2012.
“Today is recognition of your dedication to public service, and a celebration of leadership and innovation that has resulted in vibrant communities for the citizens you serve,” said Cawley.
The Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence are presented by the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, an office within the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Garden Spot Fire Rescue was one of 12 municipalities across the state recognized for their “dedication and commitment to strengthen their communities and better serve their residents.”
The eastern Lancaster County fire department was praised for: “building community partnerships to provide fire and rescue service to New Holland Borough, Earl and East Earl Townships. … Completed in two years of research, study, planning, design and implementation, the process could be modeled by other municipalities in the future. The merger helps to ensure continued volunteer fire/rescue departments in this area.”
Cory Simo, fire department steering committee chair, said Garden Spot Fire Rescue was honored to receive the Governor’s award and to be invited to the Capitol to accept it.
“The award is confirmation of the dedication between two organizations (Liberty Fire Company and Blue Ball Fire Company) that came together and successfully worked towards a goal to benefit the community and ensure continued volunteer fire service,” said Simo.
Garden Spot Fire Rescue station is located at 339 E. Main St., New Holland, with substations at 620 W. Main St., New Holland, and 4305 Division Highway, Blue Ball.