Copyright 2006 P.G. Publishing Co.
By CAROLE GILBERT BROWN
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania)
EMS representatives from two of Collier’s three volunteer fire companies will meet privately tonight in the municipal building to resolve a possible service dispute.
The potential turf war became public at Collier’s agenda meeting May 2 because the Presto Volunteer Fire Department is seeking board approval to establish a quick response service to be backed up by Southbridge, an advanced life support provider that covers Bridgeville, South Fayette and Cecil.
Presto’s request isn’t sitting well with the Kirwan Heights Volunteer Fire Department, which has been an advanced life support provider since December. Rennerdale and Kirwan Heights have handled ambulance service because Presto formerly concentrated on search-and-rescue missions.
Presto Chief Dan Wauthier said one reason his volunteers were entering the ambulance arena was to attract recruits.
“It’s a shocking fact that we haven’t really gotten new members from all of the [township’s] new development,” he said.
He said Presto began planning its ambulance operation months before Kirwan Heights became an advanced life support provider, so his company made an oral agreement with Southbridge.
Bill Lacey, chief of the Kirwan Heights Volunteer Fire Department and EMS Service, asked Presto to operate its proposed quick response service in conjunction with his department.
“For us to be totally removed from that service area is an injustice to Kirwan Heights and also to the residents,” Chief Lacey said.
People from Nevillewood turned in petitions containing at least 175 signatures of people who don’t want their advanced life service switched from Kirwan Heights to Southbridge.
At Tuesday’s commissioners meeting, Rose Vaccarello, of Nevillewood, asked about the status of the dispute.
“We live in Collier and have an ALS service here. Why would we go outside?” she asked. Board President Roger Horgan said Presto had the right to object if Kirwan Heights wants to run its ALS service in Presto’s area.
Though Mr. Horgan promised there would be no disruption in ALS service either way, Mrs. Vaccarello asked that the residents’ wishes be considered.
“We want to stick with what we have. We don’t want somebody who’s servicing three townships plus our area,” she said.
Replying that Southbridge has been a good provider, Mr. Horgan added, “I’m confident that the EMS people will work this out for the betterment of the township.”