As State College moves into the 1990s, the continued growth of the area is certain -- and the Alpha Fire Company is ensuring it can fight whatever fires blaze in the future.

Charles Jennings, a consultant with Tri Data, a fire service organization based in Arlington, Va., was hired in the fall to conduct an evaluation of the volunteer fire company and suggest any adaptations needed so it can provide full service in the future, said State College Borough Manager Peter Marshall.

The bid was given to Tri Data following a recommendation to the Centre Region Council of Governments by a task force composed of several fire officials and members of the State College Borough government, said Jim Steff, executive director of COG and a member of the task force.

"Tri Data wasn't the least expensive, but we thought they could do the best job," Steff said. The consulting fee of $19,500 is appropriated for in the COG 1989 and 1990 budget.

The employment of the consultant was prompted by growth of population and development in the State College area and the changes that accompany it, including the increase in potentially hazardous fire sites, Steff said.

"The elected officials feel that the fire company is doing a terrific job," Steff said. "We just want to ensure that they'll have the resources, equipment and training needed to do their job."

Earlier in the week, Jennings worked with the volunteer fire company to review past and present operations and to look ahead to the future --pinpointing needs to be met during the new decade, Marshall said.

Jennings spent his time touring University and downtown facilities and equipment, conducting training exercises, speaking with the University's fire administration and examining the area that Alpha protects. He met with some members of the task force and returned to Virginia where the remaining work will be done, Marshall said.

"We expect to have the final report in March," Marshall said.

The consultant had positive comments regarding the fire company.

"This is the very beginning stage so I have no definite findings, but they are very well-equipped and fairly advanced in comparison with other volunteer fire companies. The fact that they would call in an outside consultant at all shows this," Jennings said.

"I think it (the use of a consultant) is going to be very useful," Marshall said. "It's very helpful to Alpha Fire Company to have an outside source helping them to see their strengths and also see the changes that may need to be made this decade."