Spencerport's Fire District consolidation targeted for June 1

Spencerport's Fire District
consolidation targeted for June 1

After several months of discussion, analysis and consideration, the Village of Spencerport and the Towns of Ogden and Parma have determined that a consolidation of fire service responsibilities between the current Ogden-Parma Fire District and the Village of Spencerport is in the best interest of town and village residents.

Currently, the Spencerport Village Board is responsible for providing fire and rescue services within the village limits and the Ogden-Parma Fire District is responsible for an area that includes the Town of Ogden and portion of the Town of Parma.

Under the proposal, a new fire district will be established by joining what is currently the Ogden-Parma Fire District and the Village of Spencerport Fire Department. The assets of both organizations would be transferred to the new fire district. The Spencerport Volunteer Firemen's Association will continue to provide manpower to the new, consolidated fire district.

The name of the new fire district is proposed to be the Spencerport Fire District and its effective date is proposed to be June 1, 2002. The new fire district will encompass the same area serviced by the current Ogden-Parma Fire District plus the entire Village of Spencerport.

"The need, demands and requirements for fire and emergency services continue to grow. Although the Ogden-Parma Fire District and the Village of Spencerport have worked closely to meet these needs, it is time for one organization to lead a unified effort to provide the best service possible," said Spencerport Village Mayor Ted Walker.

The quality of fire and rescue service will continue to improve as it has in the past. All current equipment, apparatus and facilities will remain in place and will be upgraded and replaced over time by the new district.

Tax rates associated with the fire and rescue service are expected to remain stable as a result of the consolidation. The consolidation will benefit the community and enhance local fire service by centralizing administration and planning with a single governing body. It will help to maintain and build fire department traditions and esprit-de-corp while lightening the load on the volunteer officers. "The consolidation will make things much more convenient and streamlined, especially for the Chief and Line Officers," said David Goddard, Ogden-Parma Fire District Commissioner. The consolidation will provide the potential for cost savings through use of multi-item purchase discounts. It will also improve the uniformity of equipment and apparatus that firefighters use throughout the district.

A joint public hearing is planned for Wednesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ogden Town Hall, 269 Ogden Center Road to provide interested residents with additional information and to answer questions that they may have.