Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company has received a lofty donation toward a new pumper.

The fire company auxiliary donated $75,000 during the fire company’s annual Valentine’s Dance held recently at the fire company.

Fire Chief Lynn Diehl said that as an organization, the Franklin Township Fire Company is doing well.

He noted that it has a new pumper on order to replace a 1990 pumper.

Diehl said a new truck will cost about $1.31 million.

“We are well on our way with savings, thanks heavily to the hard work and dedication of our auxiliary,” said Diehl, who added that most were there preparing the delicious food they just ate and the drinks they are drinking.

“It is all a group effort, and we have a wonderful group working hard for the benefit of the fire company and the community,” the chief said.

Chris Lilly, president of the auxiliary, said the organization sponsors many fundraisers throughout the year.

Lilly said those include bingo on Thursday nights, pizza and filling sales, takeout dinners, a giant yard sale and a flea market.

With the fire company, she said they operate a stand at the Palmerton Festival, supervise banquets and receptions, and in short are very busy.

“I’m very proud of our auxiliary and all they’ve done and continue to do,” Lilly said. “Last year, thanks to the tremendous support we received from our members and the community, the auxiliary contributed over $140,000 toward equipment purchases, repairs and the fund established for the new $1.3 million engine.”

Diehl offered thanks on behalf of himself and the fire company.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in the fire company, both as active members and those behind the scenes,” Diehl said. “Our members work hard at their jobs and we need to recognize and thank our wives and husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends and families for allowing us to do what we do supporting us both at the fire company and at home.”

The fire company previously ordered a Rosenbauer Commander EXT CAFS Pumper to update its fleet of vehicles.

Diehl said the department has several different accounts it pulls money from, namely a money market (savings) account.

He said the department currently has five vehicles: a 2025 Ford utility pickup, a 2015 brush truck, a 2013 tanker, a 2008 rescue pumper and a 1990 pumper.

Diehl said once the department receives its new pumper, it would essentially replace the 1990 pumper.

The fire company, its auxiliary and the fire police have a year-round membership.

Anyone who would like to become a member of any of these teams may contact the fire company and fire police President Steve Warnkin at 610-844-2435, or Lilly at 610-377-8573.