Avondale and West Grove Fire Companies to Merge into One Regionalized Department

By Leah Mikulich
Published: 5:28 am EST Jan 5, 2026 | Updated: 6:52 am EST Jan 5, 2026

Avondale and West Grove fire companies voted to launch a new chapter as a unified regional fire department, writes Jen Samuel for The Daily Local News.

The merger received strong support on Nov. 22, with 71 percent of Avondale members and 73 percent of West Grove members voting “yes.” Once implemented, the change will impact ten municipalities.

“Any member that was in good standing, that was in the room that day, had the right to vote,” said Guy Swift, president of the Avondale Fire Company.

The merger will bring together Avondale Fire Company, with its $2 million budget, and West Grove Fire Company, with its $3 million budget, forming a $5 million partnership. Combined staffing will total about 125 firefighters and emergency medical service providers.

“Our target date to operate as one entity will be January 1, 2027,” said Neil Vaughn, president of West Grove Fire Company.

It will take around a year to complete the consolidation process due to the logistical and legal requirements. The merger must be approved by the county, the state, and the courts in several steps.