It costs $12,115 to outfit a firefighter. And that's with just average coats, helmets and other gear.

West Penn Fire Chief Clint Schoch outlined the high cost of firefighting when he spoke this week at the township board of supervisors meeting.He said the fire company has a truck built in 1989 for $105,000.Trucks should be replaced every 10 years, he said, because of changing firefighting standards and regulations.He said there was another truck purchased in 2008 for $303,000. Today that same truck would cost over $450,000.Schoch said the fire department makes efforts to serve the community in more ways than fighting fires.It has fire prevention activities planned at West Penn Elementary School and a day care on Friday, and at St. Peter's preschool on Oct. 20 and 21.The fire department will participate in the Andreas Halloween Parade on Oct. 21.The fire company allowed the supervisors to use its facilities for this week's meeting. Next month's meeting on Nov. 2 will also be held in the fire hall. A budget workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. following the regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m.Next month's meeting will be in the fire station because the municipal building is used for the election. Election day is Nov. 3 and voting machines will by in the building on Nov. 2.Schoch said the fire company has smoke detectors available for free to township residents.The fire department holds a fundraising, all-you-can-eat breakfast on the second Sunday of every month.