Jim Thorpe Fire Department is embarking on a transformation focused on training, community engagement, and fire prevention education under new leadership appointed in December.

Fire Commissioner Charles Sgrillo, who was appointed along with Fire Chief Vince Yaich Jr. and Deputy Fire Chief Charles DeHaven, outlined plans last week to enhance department operations and strengthen connections with residents. The restructuring aims to unify the borough’s two fire companies — Diligent and Onoko — into a more cohesive unit.

“The first year is about reorganization,” Sgrillo said. “It’s to get the companies both on the same page, working together.”

Smoke detectors

One first-year goal is a smoke detector installation program that would send firefighters into homes to install free detectors while conducting safety inspections.

Sgrillo said the initiative would start with Jim Thorpe students bringing home forms for families to request the service. Firefighters would then schedule installations and provide homeowners with safety report cards noting concerns and potential hazards.

“It allows us to connect with the community, and also for these younger firefighters to understand the layouts of houses, because every house is completely different,” Sgrillo said.

The program gained urgency following a 2025 Franklin Township fire that killed a mother and four children in a home without smoke detectors.

“That was a trigger for me,” Sgrillo said.

The department hopes to launch the program by September to coincide with Fire Prevention Month. Officials are seeking sponsors to fund the detectors and educational materials.

Beyond smoke detectors, the department plans expanded school engagement including year-end demonstrations with fire apparatus, summer safety education and recruitment presentations for high school students.

“We want to reconnect with the school, not just a couple times a year,” Sgrillo said.

Both Jim Thorpe stations are installing computers, printers and scanners to replace carbon paper systems for fire reports, and the department has created a unified Facebook page with a new logo.

Firefighter training

DeHaven, appointed as training deputy, is organizing programs through county and state resources to enhance firefighter certification and skills.

To support these efforts, the department is seeking administrative volunteers to handle tasks like scheduling, social media management, grant writing and meeting minutes. This, Sgrillo said, would free firefighters to focus on training and emergency response.

“These are guys getting out of bed at 1, 2, 3 o’clock in the morning during the week when they have to work the next day,” Sgrillo said. “The more help we get on the administrative end lets the firefighters do what we need them to do, which is training.”

The department is also developing a visual communication unit of volunteer photographers who would document incidents for training critiques.

Equipment needs remain significant, according to Sgrillo. Officials are evaluating upgrades to a pickup truck for quick-attack capabilities in areas inaccessible to larger apparatus.

“Getting water on the fire as fast as possible is the best way to save lives,” Sgrillo said.

Jim Thorpe presents unique challenges with approximately 2,700 buildings, 4,300 residents and an estimated 1 million annual visitors concentrated along Broadway and the town’s main tourist areas.

The department recently responded to mutual aid requests, including a fire in Nesquehoning, where Diligent engine crews assisted while the Onoko company provided coverage.

Volunteers welcome

Between 40 and 50 firefighters serve across both companies. Sgrillo said about 20 to 30 handle the bulk of emergency responses, with another 20 available for major incidents.

The department is exploring a Class C uniform system — black shoes, blue pants and logo polo shirts — at approximately $150 per firefighter instead of $600 dress uniforms, potentially funded through business sponsorships.

“I really think that makes us look better to the community,” Sgrillo said.

Sgrillo brings 34 years of experience with the Philadelphia Fire Department, where he served in some of the city’s busiest companies. He said his goal is to create a well-trained, community-connected department.

“The best way to fight a fire is not to have one,” Sgrillo said.

Residents interested in volunteering for administrative roles within the department or businesses interested in sponsorships can contact the borough office or email FireCommissioner@JTBorough.org.