Fire deal near

Local News

Discussion

October 19, 2009

By PATRICK BUCHNOWSKI The Tribune-Democrat Mon Oct 19, 2009, 11:56 PM EDT

CAIRNBROOK — Shade Township residents again will have fire protection – but it won’t be from the Central City Fire Department.

Shade supervisors are expected to announce a deal for fire protection Thursday.

Shade officials had been negotiating with other departments since Central City firefighters quit responding to fire calls last month in a dispute over money.

Supervisors have not said which fire department will replace Central City.

“I can tell you it’s not with Hooversville,” said Rick Lohr, president of the Hooversville Volunteer Fire Department.

Richland Township Fire Department also has been mentioned in negotiations. Jason Ober, business manager for the department, was reticent when interviewed Monday.

“I’ve spoken to individuals,” he said. “At this point in time, I have no comment. But in my opinion, Shade Township supervisors are being fiscally responsible to their community.”

Stoystown firefighters – who received a $1,500 donation this year from Shade – said they will not be the primary responder but will continue handling fire calls.

“We have a portion of Shade that’s always been in our fire district,” fire Chief David Johnson said.

The dispute between Shade and Central City has been contentious.

Each has accused the other of breaking an agreement hatched in January. Shade supervisors said just weeks ago they were prepared to start their own (satellite) fire department if necessary.

“We’re going to have fire protection in Shade Township and the residents are going to be safe,” Supervisor Chairman John Topka said at the last monthly meeting.

He did not respond to telephone calls Monday.

Shade had offered a deal of $17,100. Central City firefighters had sought a deal worth $26,840 this year, citing rising costs of equipment and training.

Central City firefighters say they cover 90 percent of the township which, according to the most recent census data, has 2,680 residents.

Fire Chief Dale Russian said the department also will stop providing medical service to Shade.

The Quick Response Service will end Jan. 15.

“This decision was made based on our failed contract negotiation and the stoppage of the prorated share of workers’ compensation payments to Central City Borough,” the fire department board of directors said in a letter to the township.

Northern EMS in Windber and Somerset Area Ambulance, which has a substation in Stoystown, will continue responding to emergencies, Russian said.

Medical and fire service in Central City Borough will not be affected, he said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Boswell-based summer camp adding 130 acres
A Boswell-based summer camp is expanding again, with an additional 130 acres of Ligonier-area land expected to provide more space for a growing program for inner-city youth.

February 10, 2012
City not seeking grant for firemen
Six weeks after a second round of layoffs, Johnstown firefighters believe they have found a way to restore their depleted manpower.

February 10, 2012
Six awarded Allegany College scholarships
Six Somerset County residents recently were awarded the Lucas Popernack Memorial Scholarships for study at Allegany College of Maryland in the current 2011-12 academic year.

February 10, 2012
Blogging with heart
Although it was probably high school English classes that propelled by career, I always liked science and history – with some notable, teacher-personality-or-competence-related exceptions.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
Commissioners appoint three to arena board
The Cambria County commissioners, looking for new input for the county-owned War Memorial Arena, have appointed three new members to the seven-member War Memorial Authority board.

February 10, 2012
In brief: Police seek suspect in Lower Yoder burglary
West Hills Regional Police are searching for a suspect in the burglary of a Lower Yoder Township home on Tuesday.

February 10, 2012
Lawsuit: Bedford County shooting not 'justified'
The widow of a man who a prosecutor determined committed “suicide by cop” by pointing a weapon at state police during a standoff is suing, claiming the shooting was not justified.

February 10, 2012
Book honors Flight 93 co-pilot Homer
The widow of Flight 93 copilot LeRoy W. Homer Jr. is releasing a book this month on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

February 10, 2012
Mild winter speeds work: Entertainment venue may be complete by end of May
An unusually mild winter has accelerated construction of a new outdoor entertainment venue in Johnstown.

February 9, 2012 2 Photos
Man jailed on rash of charges
A Patton man is being held on $100,000 bond after police said he threatened to kill a woman, her family and himself unless she talked to him about a protection-from-abuse order.

February 9, 2012 2 Photos
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

Fire deal near

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Contact Us