The 184-year-old Fame Fire Company of West Chester launched a historic capital campaign in 2014 to renovate and expand its station on Rosedale Avenue, and although that overhaul is now complete, the fundraising is not yet over.

To date, Fame has raised approximately $2 million toward its $2.5 million goal. Previously, it had turned to a trusted community partner, First Resource Bank, for help in securing an $800,000 loan that proved critical in getting the construction project to the finish line.

“Whether it’s a fire, flood, or an accident, when we get a call, our volunteers are ready to put themselves at risk to rescue others,” said Bill Ronayne, Fame’s Vice President and Co-Chair of its capital campaign. “When we needed helped with a loan, some banks treated us like we were a risk. Thankfully, we found First Resource Bank.”

The bank, which has financed more than $1 billion in commercial and residential loans to businesses and families in the Delaware Valley since its founding in 2005, supported Fame’s mission and helped it get the funding it needed.

“Behind every business and organization that we support is a story,” said Glenn Marshall, CEO of First Resource Bank. “Fame Fire Company’s story stems back to the 1800s, long before 9-1-1 and fire engines even existed. While many things have changed since that time, one thing that’s remained constant is their unwavering dedication to ensuring public safety. We’re proud to support such an important project and the men and women who voluntarily risk their lives to save others.”

Fame Fire Company still faces the task of paying off its loan, as it aims to relieve its membership of the burden of future debt.

“We want our younger members concentrating on training and fighting fires, not fundraising,” said Ronayne.

Donate to Fame Fire Company to help it pay for the safe, efficient environment it has created for its volunteer firefighters.

Learn more about First Resource Bank.