6/16/2006
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor praises Washington Township board for approving fire merger
Consolidation proposal now headed to City-County Council
INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Bart Peterson praised members of the Washington Township Board for their vote yesterday evening to approve a resolution merging 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 additional cost to taxpayers.
The merger now must be approved by the Indianapolis City-County Council, where it will be introduced on Monday.
“Yesterday’s action by the Washington Township Board to merge these two, world-class departments was a vote for enhancing fire service and improving public safety,” Mayor Peterson said. “I applaud Washington Township Trustee Gwen Horth and the township board for their leadership and vision.”
Mayor Peterson also thanked Washington Township Fire Chief Joe Anderson for his hard work and cooperation throughout the discussions regarding the merger.
After endorsing the merger two days ago, Horth signed the resolution last night after the board’s approval.
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.
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.
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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