COLUMBIA, PA — A long‑established local towing company is asking Columbia Borough Council to formally recognize it as the borough’s primary towing service provider, citing decades of service, local investment, and expanded capabilities following the loss of a longtime community business owner.
Patriot Towing & Transport Inc., along with its affiliated operations St. Denis and RC Towing, recently submitted formal letters to borough officials outlining its qualifications and history of service to Columbia and neighboring communities. The petition comes amid concerns that changes to towing requirements could open the door for companies from outside the borough—or even outside Lancaster County—to handle towing services within Columbia.
According to company President Randy Geissler, Patriot Towing has been serving the Columbia area for years and became the borough’s primary towing provider following the passing of Jeff McMullen, owner of Midway Collision, in 2021.
“For many years, Jeff McMullen was Columbia’s sole approved tower, and rightly so,” Geissler wrote. “He fought hard to keep outside companies out, kept money local, and employed people who lived and paid taxes in the borough.”
Following McMullen’s death, Patriot Towing stepped in and has served as Columbia’s primary towing company for approximately four years, according to the company.
Expanding Capabilities to Meet Borough Needs
Geissler emphasized that Patriot Towing has since acquired the infrastructure and certifications required to meet Columbia’s towing needs within the borough limits. The company now operates a secure, fenced impound lot with surveillance at 600 Avenue North, including indoor vehicle storage for police holds when necessary.
Patriot Towing reports carrying comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial liability, on‑hook coverage, garage keepers insurance, automotive coverage, and cargo insurance.
The company also highlighted its fleet, which includes:
- 10 light‑duty rollbacks
- 1 medium‑duty wrecker
- Two 35‑ton heavy wreckers
- One 50‑ton rotator
- Three tractor‑trailer heavy haul and recovery units
These assets allow the company to manage everything from routine vehicle removals to major accident recoveries without calling in out‑of‑county operators.
Deep Local and Regional Involvement
Patriot Towing points to extensive partnerships with law enforcement and emergency services as part of its request. The company works regularly with Columbia’s neighboring police departments, including West Hempfield and Manor Township, the county drug task force, and police crash investigation teams. It also assists the District Attorney’s Office by providing access to a licensed inspection mechanic for fatal crash vehicle inspections.
In addition, the company trains alongside local fire departments by providing vehicles for rescue training exercises.
Beyond business operations, Geissler underscored his own long‑standing public service history, including 27 years as a Mountville firefighter and ongoing service as a Lancaster County critical incident chaplain.
“Our staff is trained to nationally recognized Wreckmaster standards,” the petition states, noting that the combined organizations represent more than 60 years of towing and recovery experience.
Keeping Business Local
A recurring theme in the petition is the importance of keeping towing revenue within the Columbia community. Patriot Towing describes itself as a small, veteran‑owned business with several employees who live in Columbia Borough.
“We keep business monies within the borough community,” the letter states, echoing the approach long taken by McMullen’s Midway Collision.
The company is also seeking recognition as a preferred vendor under its federally certified veteran‑owned business status.
Awaiting Council Consideration
Patriot Towing’s request asks borough leaders to formally designate the company as Columbia’s sole or primary towing provider, arguing that it already meets the borough’s operational needs while preserving local control and economic benefit.
The matter is expected to be reviewed by borough officials as part of ongoing discussions surrounding towing policies and service requirements. No final decision has been announced.
For now, Patriot Towing says it remains committed to serving Columbia Borough residents, businesses, and emergency responders “24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
What Happens Next: What Residents Should Know
For Columbia Borough residents wondering how towing services are decided—and what could change—here’s what happens next in the process:
Review by Borough Officials
Columbia Borough Council and/or borough administrators will review Patriot Towing’s petition, along with any proposed changes to the borough’s towing requirements. This review typically includes verifying insurance, equipment, facilities, response times, and compliance with local and state regulations.
Discussion at Public Meetings
If the issue moves forward, it may be discussed at a public borough council meeting or committee session. These meetings are open to the public and give residents an opportunity to hear how decisions are being evaluated.
Possible Policy or Contract Decisions
Council could choose to:
- Retain a single primary towing provider
- Approve multiple approved towing services
- Modify existing towing requirements or policies
Any change would be formalized through borough action.
Resident Impact
For most residents, towing decisions primarily affect:
- Police‑requested tows after accidents or arrests
- Vehicle removals during emergencies, crashes, or road closures
Private tows arranged directly by residents would not be affected.
No Immediate Changes
At this time, towing operations in Columbia continue as usual. No service changes take effect unless and until the borough formally adopts a new policy or designation.
Residents interested in the issue are encouraged to attend borough meetings or review meeting agendas and minutes once they are published.
