| Statement from President Thomas O'Donnell, PACFCA
An article published in the July 2026 issue of The Pennsylvania Fireman, authored by Jim Carstater, Chair of the Law and Legislative Committee of the Firefighters' Association of the State of Pennsylvania (FASP), contains a significant factual error.
The article states that the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association was not interested in participating in the Pennsylvania Senate hearing on private equity's role in the fire apparatus industry. That statement is simply false.
At no time did Mr. Carstater or anyone representing FASP officially contact the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association to request testimony or seek input from our organization. In fact, our members welcomed the opportunity to testify and were disappointed that they were never given the chance.
This is about more than correcting the record. It highlights a broader issue within Pennsylvania's fire service: too often, those currently leading departments and responding to today's challenges are excluded from discussions that shape policy and legislative priorities.
Active career fire chiefs and firefighters bring real-world operational experience that is essential to informed decision-making. Their voices deserve to be heard alongside every stakeholder committed to strengthening the fire service.
The Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association remains committed to working collaboratively with organizations such as the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association, Firefighters Association of the State Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute to advance the fire service across the Commonwealth.
Moving forward requires factual representation, inclusive leadership, and meaningful engagement with those who are actively serving our communities every day. We remain committed to being part of that conversation.
Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner Lancaster County Firemen's Association Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute |
Aug 12, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026
