Firefighters discuss territory merge

BATTLE GROUND, Ind. (WLFI) - Sheffield, Perry, Washington and Tippecanoe Townships plan to take part in the fire territory.

Thursday night groups from these stations learned more about merging, and what it will mean for them.

"I think bringing all the volunteers together in this territory working on training, better equipment, I think it's going to do something positive for the county overall through the territory," said Buck Creek Fire Chief Michael Welborn.

Welborn said the fire territory will not only saving money, but will help maintain local control if the county were to some day take over township government.

"We're concerned that if townships are abolished and that the single person takes control of the county, all the county departments, that we're gonna lose our control," said Battle Ground volunteer firefighter Ken Hester.

The hope is a fire territory could secure the current way operations are handled. Sheffield Fire Chief Bill Huffer said the partnership is a great benefit to firefighters.

"I think it's a grand idea, I think it's going to allow the three departments to work together to buy equipment at a reduced rate, to be able to train personnel in a more efficient manner," said Huffer.

Firefighters have mostly supported the measure. "They've all been for it, I really haven't had anyone against it," said Welborn.

"Mostly are supportive of it, some have some questions, but I think it's issues that can be worked through," said Huffer.

Welborn said the fire territory will also save taxpayers money because equipment will be bought in bulk and therefore cost less.

A decision on whether or not to make a fire territory out of the four stations is expected Monday.