08/31/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mainline Fire & Rescue Service Formed Through Merger of Portage and Summerhill Township Fire Companies
PORTAGE, PA — After years of planning, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the future of the volunteer fire service, the merger of Portage Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 and Summerhill Township Volunteer Fire Company was officially completed on June 23, 2026, forming Mainline Fire & Rescue Service — Company 8.
The merger brings together the members, apparatus, equipment, facilities, resources, experience, and traditions of both organizations under one unified fire and rescue service.
A Stronger, More Sustainable Fire Service:
A primary purpose of the merger was to reduce duplication of emergency services and resources while strengthening the level of service provided to our communities.
By operating as one organization, Mainline can better coordinate personnel, apparatus, equipment, training, facilities, and financial resources. This allows us to use what we have more effectively and position the volunteer fire service for long-term success.
The goal was never to reduce emergency protection, but rather to strengthen it by bringing our people and resources together under one organization.
Built on Generations of Service:
While the Mainline name is new, the history behind it spans generations.
In 2009, Cassandra Volunteer Fire Company merged with Portage Volunteer Fire Company, followed by Wilmore Volunteer Fire Company in 2016. The completion of the Mainline merger in 2026 continues that progression.
Today, the history and traditions of Portage, Cassandra, Wilmore, and Summerhill Township come together as part of Mainline Fire & Rescue Service.
Serving Our Communities:
Mainline Fire & Rescue Service proudly provides Fire, Rescue, and Quick Response Services to Cassandra Borough, Croyle Township, Portage Borough, Portage Township, and Summerhill Township, while continuing to support neighboring departments through mutual aid.
Residents will continue to see familiar firefighters, apparatus, and stations throughout our coverage area. Those resources now operate together under one organization and command structure with one common mission: providing the highest level of emergency service possible to the communities we call home.
Honoring Our Past. Building Our Future.
Generations of volunteers from Portage, Cassandra, Wilmore, and Summerhill Township have dedicated countless hours to protecting these communities. Their history and traditions will not be forgotten—they are the foundation upon which Mainline Fire & Rescue Service is being built.
We thank our members, municipal officials, community partners, neighboring emergency services, and most importantly, the residents we serve for their continued support.
We are proud of where we came from and excited about where we are going as we build a stronger and more sustainable fire and rescue service for generations to come.
