The Internal Revenue Service recently notified the American Fire Company of Lansford it has been granted federal tax exempt status as a publicly supported charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code.

Fire company Chief Joe Greco stated, “The goal of our dedicated group of volunteers is to protect life and property within the borough. As a volunteer organization, our operations depend on contributions and the public support of our fundraisers. Our federal tax exempt certification insures donors receive a charitable contribution deduction for their contributions to our fire company.”

John M. Nonnemacher, CPA, a principal with Snyder & Clemente, Accountants & Consultants, assisted the fire company with preparation and submission of the application.

He added, “As a Jim Thorpe native, I am intimately familiar with the hard work and dedication of the members of the American Fire Company. The public would not typically be aware of the many federal and state tax regulations that apply to running a successful nonprofit fire company like American. The progressive thinking fire company volunteers have once again proved their commitment to the citizens of Lansford.”

Congressman Dan Meuser acted as the fire company’s advocate and liaison with the IRS during the application review process. The company provides protection to the Borough of Lansford and mutual aid to the surrounding communities in Carbon and Schuylkill counties. It currently has more than 35 volunteers on its active roster.