Growing rift between Newtown Township and Borough over fire services – Bucks Round-Up – June 17, 2025
Growing rift between Newtown Township and Borough over fire services
A longstanding partnership between Newtown Township and Newtown Borough over fire protection is showing signs of unraveling. At a recent Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Phillip Calabro raised concerns over the borough’s intent to exit its contract with the township for fire service coverage — despite paying $191,000 annually. The township provides $250,000 each year to the Newtown Township Fire Company, which serves both the township and the borough. Calabro argued that the borough’s contribution is insufficient, noting that while the fire company responds to borough calls about 50 percent of the time, the borough pays less than 10 percent of the cost. “It seems unfair,” he said, suggesting the borough could face a $10 million bill if it chooses to build and staff its own firehouse. The borough has not yet responded publicly.
Levittown man dies in early morning motorcycle crash
A tragic motorcycle accident in Mercer County has claimed the life of a Bucks County resident. Benjamin Boyers, 44, of Levittown, was killed early Friday morning when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a telephone pole on Franklin Corner Road near Princeton Pike in Lawrence Township. The accident occurred around 6:45 a.m. Boyers was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. Lawrence Township Police are investigating and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Paulina Way at 609-844-7133.
Burglary Spree hits Hilltown Township businesses and church
Hilltown Township Police are investigating two burglaries that occurred just hours apart on Sunday. Around 4:45 a.m., a suspect broke into the Hickory Stick Ice Cream Shop on Telegraph Road, stealing $500 in cash from the register area. Later that day, the Pennridge Christian Fellowship Church on Blooming Glen Road was also targeted, with the suspect gaining access to an area containing a safe. Authorities are unsure whether the two incidents are connected, but a surveillance camera from a nearby business captured images of a pickup truck believed to be involved. Photos of the suspects and the vehicle are available on Bucks County Crime Watch.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
