The emergency canteen service’s new shelter truck features a number of upgrades, including scene lighting and air conditioning. Photo by John Worthington | The Reporter.
The 20-foot vehicle is replacing Goodwill’s old 2005 shelter unit
North Penn Goodwill is stepping up its emergency canteen service with the purchase of a new state-of-the-art shelter truck.
The 20-foot vehicle is replacing Goodwill’s old 2005 shelter unit. Upgrades include an eight-person rehab area, a diesel generator, scene lighting for night calls, emergency lighting, two fresh water tanks, and, most notably, heating and air conditioning.
“So the guys can go in there during a fire call and get warmed up, or in the summer time, get cooled off,” said Deputy Chief Dennis Crouthamel. “It’s a big improvement.”
“A lot of people are glad to see it,” added Chief Jim Hange. “The first request on dispatch is often, ‘Bring the shelter first.’”
Dating back to 1949, Goodwill is a non-profit organization that provides food, drinks, shelter and restrooms to emergency workers. An all-volunteer organization, Goodwill predominately serves Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Lehigh and Northampton counties but has also responded to emergencies in other regional counties.
Today, the organization owns three canteen units and two shelter units. The new unit has been in the works since January 2024, said Crouthamel, adding that Goodwill secured over $250,000 in funding for the vehicle.
Crouthamel notes that the larger diesel engine will be beneficial at more distant and lengthy emergency situations.
“It’s got the same principles of the other one, but it’s got more power,” said Crouthamel.
The truck also features more modern signage, replacing the words “Service to Firemen and Police” with the gender-neutral “Service to First Responders.”
“Nowadays there are a lot of women firefighters, so we switched it up,” said Crouthamel. “Kind of have to keep up with the times.”
Goodwill officially put the new shelter truck into service in November. The organization expects the vehicle to have a long lifespan.
“It will be around for a while,” said Joe Flenders, Goodwill’s secretary. “We will take good care of it.”
NorthPenn Goodwill relies exclusively on community donations. The organization is currently holding its annual Community Fund Drive campaign, with mailers sent to over 40,000 local residents. Donations can be made via mail, PayPal or Venmo at npgs41.com
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