Three longtime members of Hempfield’s volunteer fire service will serve as assistant fire chiefs, new positions that will bring the responsibility of establishing command at fire and emergency scenes.

Don Thoma, Dan Thoma and Jay Wilkinson took their oath of office Monday during a supervisor’s reorganization meeting.

“We’ve made history tonight in the fire service as I see it,” said George Reese, chairman of the board of supervisors. “Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Thoma, Mr. Thoma, I wish you the best. I’m excited. I think this is a really important, pivotal time in our fire service and I think we’ve got three of the best new chiefs in the township sitting in the room tonight.”

Supervisors in September approved the volunteer positions, permitting the fire chief to accept applications from interested members. Nine applications were received.

The goal of the positions is to have one assistant chief for each of the township’s three fire zones: North Hempfield, Bovard and Hannastown in Zone 1; Hempfield No. 2, West Point, Midway-St. Clair and Carbon in Zone 2; and Fort Allen, Grapeville, High Park and Adamsburg in Zone 3.

“It’s going to be a good situation for us to have a layer of a command presence at the assistant chief level,” Chief Tony Kovacic said last month.

Don Thoma, who is in charge of Zone 2, has been part of the volunteer service for 46 years, serving as the fire chief for the Adamsburg Volunteer Fire Department.

“I think it’s a culmination of what we’ve been trying to do in this township for probably 13 years,” Thoma said of the positions. “I’m proud to be selected for one of the positions.”

Similarly, Dan Thoma has volunteered with the township’s fire service for 18 years, serving as assistant fire chief in Adamsburg. He is in charge of Zone 3.

“It’s always great to be a part of something at the beginning,” he said. “There’s been a lot of change and a lot of needed change in Hempfield Township, especially with the fire service. To be at the forefront, kind of moving something forward that really hasn’t happened on this scale in Pennsylvania, I think it’s a great opportunity. I think all of us are here to help see that through.”

Wilkinson, who will cover Zone 1, has volunteered for 28 years, serving as fire chief for the North Hempfield station.

North Hempfield became the first station to be acquired by the township, meaning Hempfield incurred financial obligations, as well as property and apparatus owned by the station. Township officials are working to update the facility, which also houses an ambulance from Mutual Aid Ambulance Service.

“With continued support of the supervisors moving in a forward direction, I’m proud to be part of the process,” Wilkinson said. “I’m looking forward to working with the men and women in the organization and the department as a whole.”

The three assistant chiefs each received Ford Explorers featuring the Hempfield Fire Department logo. The vehicles cost $33,000 each, plus $16,000 for outfitting, including lights, radios, a command board and lettering.

Supervisors touted the positions during Monday’s meeting, with most thanking the men for their service to the township.

“I’d just like to congratulate the assistant chiefs tonight,” said Supervisor Doug Weimer. “It’s great to be expanding our ranks. Certainly need the assistance of emergency personnel in our community. … I commend you for stepping up and serving our community.”

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