Uncertain Future for Fire Fighters
By: Andy Schroeder
Updated: September 18, 2007
Frustration and fear overflowed at the Ohio Township Epworth Road fire station in Warrick County Tuesday. At its last meeting, the Township Trustee and Board voted not to renew its contract with the Ohio Township volunteer fire department, which provides most of the fire service to the heavily populated area.
But board member Nancy Bennett told hundreds of concerned citizens that the contract termination does not mean they will go without fire protection. She says the board and trustee want to reevaluate the service contract to address continued growth in the township. There were no specifics offered at Tuesdays meeting as far as changes in service that the trustee or board would like to see.
That is why many of the 69 volunteers who operate the Epworth and Paradise stations frustrated and confused. They feel like theyve been left out of the process that brought the board and trustee to their decision about contract renewal. Theyre also angered that the township leaders didnt address their concerns with the department prior to making a decision.
The two sides have agreed to a closed door meeting Monday to discuss the possibility of a new contract. Township board member Chad Bennett said the last thing they wanted to do was alienate the volunteers who give up their time to serve the community.
