PINE GROVE – Russell Volunteer Fire Department officials say county actions to help EMT response rates are working.

The latest plan has been active just over a year and recently put another truck on the street, and according to a representative with the Russell Volunteer Fire Department “it is clearly working, the latest drop call rate reported at less than five percent.”

The subject was discussed during a recent township supervisors’ meeting. Also during the meeting, the Russell Volunteer Fire Department was recognized for celebrating its 90th anniversary.

According to township supervisors, they plan to open dialogue with Emergicare for a contribution amount and then decide what the best course of action is — whether that be raising township taxes or paying the fee from the township’s general fund.

According to Dave McJunkin, concerning the road report, there is still tree trimming currently taking place on Egypt Hollow.

Also in the works, is the acquisition of an F600 truck. However, the supervisors reminded residents not to expect the new truck anytime soon; estimated delivery is four months to a year away and then a company out of Boston, N.Y. would need it for another year to complete the necessary customizations for the truck to be useful to the municipality.

A motion regarding rental properties and their utilities, Resolution 4-10-24, passed unanimously. This resolution will ensure that the utilities fall back on the property owner, according to the supervisors.

The supervisors signed and prepared to send out the Frewsburg Fire Company Dice Run authorization letter. Signing the letter “relieves us of liability.” Supervisors also confirmed there would be township personnel along the dice run route.

The next Pine Grove Township Supervisors meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Pine Grove Township office in Russell.