COVID-19 Forces Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company to Make Multiple Changes

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company has made some changes for 2020.

The fire company has postponed its dutch meal until the fall, possibly in October.

Fire Chief Randy Acker said for those who have tickets for the meal can hold onto them until the company has the meal. If they want a refund they can contact the firemen that they purchased them from and they will make the arrangements to collect their tickets and get a refund. Persons can also mail their tickets to Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company, 205 S. Market Street, Martinsburg PA 16662 with their name and address and the company will mail them a check.

The fire company will hold off with its yearly fund drive until later in the year.

“With only essential businesses working right now, we did not want to burden the community with anything else,” Acker said.

Acker said the fire company is still debating on the July 17 and 18 annual ox roast and drawing. Acker said a decision is expected during the May 11 meeting.

According to Acker, the Martinsburg Fire Company has cancelled all of its training classes until the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.

“We are doing our best to keep social distance of 6 feet on all emergency calls,” Acker said.

Acker said the company has changed its response on emergency calls.

“We are looking out for the safety of the people in the community and the safety of our first responder,” the fire chief said.

Acker said all emergency personnel report to the station while an officer goes directly to the scene to gather information about the call. If the first responder is going past the scene they will stop to gather the information. Acker said when the equipment arrives on the scene there will be one first responder get out to gather the information and then instruct the other personnel on what needs to be done.

“This is a safety measure to keep the first responder safe,” Acker said.

“We hope that everybody takes this COVID-19 serious by stay at home, limiting going out on the roads, only go out when necessary,” Acker said. “If we all do our part during this pandemic we will all be a lot safer.”