Middletown increases stipend for volunteer firefighters and EMS – Bucks Round-Up – February 17, 2026
Middletown increases stipend for volunteer firefighters and EMS
Middletown Township Supervisors approved an increase in stipends for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel beginning in 2026. The township’s incentive program, launched in 2018 at $250, will now provide $599 to qualifying volunteers serving across five local agencies. Township Manager Eden Ratliff reported to Supervisor Dana Kane (R) that more volunteers qualified for the stipend last year, an uptick from the previous year. “We had 121 volunteers across the five agencies qualify for that,” he said. Supervisor Kane said it seems to be going in the right direction. Ratliff noted there was an increase in one area of volunteers: “The emergency squad had an uptick from 17 qualifying volunteers to 23, so we’ll have to see if this program is influencing them.” Assistant Township manager, Nick Valla added, the program is a key recruiting tool for volunteers who live outside of the township. “They live in one of the four boroughs that are within the township’s jurisdiction or location or from outside and because those folks are not eligible by law to qualify for the tax credit program that we have in place, this is a way for the board to recognize their volunteer service.” The incentive program for volunteers also struck a chord with Supervisor Christian Gallardo (D). “As a volunteer firefighter, I appreciate the stipend going out,” he said. “Having volunteered in other states and municipalities and having received zero for our services, it’s an amazing thing to get from your township.” Gallardo believes the incentive program will help recruit more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, particularly at a time across the state when volunteers for fire and EMS services have continued to decline.
Bensalem Police report crime reduction in several categories
Bensalem Township Police report significant declines in serious crime for 2025. According to department figures, Part 1 offenses, which include violent and major property crimes, are down more than 30 percent compared to 2024. Robberies and burglaries have each dropped by roughly 50 percent. Police also cleared 49 percent of Part 1 crimes, a strong clearance rate that officials say reflects proactive policing and investigative follow-through. Retail theft declined 24 percent, aided in part by the township’s Bensalem Secure program, which partners law enforcement with local businesses. Department leadership credited rank-and-file officers, civilian staff, and continued support from township officials for sustaining the downward trend. Plans are underway to expand the use of enhanced technologies to assist officers and further deter criminal activity.
ICE protested in Sellersville
The leftist organization Upper Bucks United protested against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Sellersville on Monday. Speakers, addressing a crowd of over 50 people, called for abolishing the federal agency, complaining that its deportation and enforcement practices are too heavy-handed. A number of changes to ICE’s practices, including the masking of agents, are being debated in Congress to resolve a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, within which ICE operates. The Sellersville event comes on the heels of local student-led school walkouts against ICE. Two more of those are expected this week, at Bensalem High School today and at Quakertown Community High School on Friday.
Warrington’s red-light enforcement having strong impact
Warrington Township officials report that red-light enforcement cameras are having a measurable safety impact. From January through June 2025, officers approved 77 percent of potential violations reviewed, resulting in 2,946 notices of violation. The program posted a 71 percent initial payment rate. Township officials emphasized that while officer-led traffic stops remain the most effective deterrent, automated enforcement allows police to manage traffic safety while addressing other public safety duties — a balance increasingly important as demands on local departments continue to grow.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
