6/14/2006
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Washington Township fire department to merge with IFD
Merger means improved fire service & protection
for city, township residents
INDIANAPOLIS – Washington Township Trustee Gwen Horth and Mayor Bart Peterson today announced that they have reached an agreement to merge the Washington Township Fire Department (WTFD) into the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD).
The consolidation of the two departments will create efficiencies and enhance fire service for Washington Township residents at no cost to taxpayers.
“IFD and Washington Township Fire Department are two highly-respected, dedicated departments that provide top-notch fire service in Indianapolis,” Mayor Peterson said. “The people of Washington Township and the entire city of Indianapolis will benefit the most from the merger of these two, world-class fire departments.”
The merger of IFD and WTFD will improve service by:
- Ensuring all fire engines and apparatus will be staffed at the highest levels called for by national fire service standards, which means four firefighters will be present on each fire engine and ladder. This is an enhancement of current WTFD staffing levels;
- Bringing additional specialized fire services to Washington Township, including hazardous materials, heavy extrication and water rescue operations.
“This is a historic day for the firefighters and residents of Washington Township,” Trustee Horth said. “This merger allows us to improve upon the already high level of fire service provided in Washington Township by combining two of the best fire departments in the nation.
“I want this merger to serve as a model for other townships,” Horth continued. “We will show that fire consolidation can be done seamlessly, provide enhanced service for residents and save taxpayer money.”
Under the merger agreement, which must be passed by the Washington Township Board and then approved by the Indianapolis City-County Council, WTFD will be consolidated into IFD effective January 1, 2007.
The consolidation means the area formerly served by WTFD will officially become part of the IFD service district. The merger will create a new IFD battalion incorporating the Washington Township name to maintain the history and tradition of WTFD.
The merger agreement also outlines that:
- Property tax rates for fire service will be frozen in Washington Township at least through 2008;
- Ambulance service in Washington Township will continue to be operated by the fire department, covering the same service area it does now;
- Ambulances will now be staffed by qualified civilian paramedics and EMTs rather than firefighters; and
- IFD will continue all of the community outreach activities initiated WTFD, including holding the annual safety festival, teaching public safety techniques to township schools and providing free smoke detectors to residents.
Mayor Peterson also thanked Horth and Washington Township Fire Chief Joe Anderson for their hard work and cooperation throughout the discussions regarding the merger.
“I applaud Gwen Horth and [Washington Township] Chief Joe Anderson for having the courage and vision to make this significant decision and move public safety and fire protection in our community forward,” Peterson added. “Both of them have shown that they can put the needs of Indianapolis and Washington Township’s residents and taxpayers before everything else.”
Background. During the 2005 legislative session, the General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 307, which permits each township in Marion County to choose to consolidate its fire department into IFD if the township board and trustee each approve a resolution authorizing consolidation.
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