Apollo Area Fire Departments Set Date to Discuss Merger

 

by Jonathan Weaver

Apollo No. 3 and North Apollo fire departments look to become one hopefully by next year.

About a dozen volunteers from both departments attended last night’s Apollo Borough Council meeting in case of public questions, but none were asked.

Still, questions are welcome starting at 7PM during a May 10 public meeting at Apollo No. 3’s fire station on North 5th Street.

North Apollo Fire Chief Jason Burns summed up the reason behind consolidation efforts.

“At the end of the day, the whole purpose behind this is to make a better fire service for the residents and communities we protect,” Chief Burns said.

North Apollo President Ken Hilty said plans begun in 2014.

“We started the process about two years ago, and it’s really kicked into high gear the last six months or so,” Hilty said.

Hilty, a firefighter since he was 16 years old, said the merger will have many benefits.

“Every fire department is having manpower issues and we’re competing for the same money with our fundraisers,” Hilty said. “It’s more economical to join the two departments. Then we’d have twice as many (volunteers) and we’re not competing for the same amount of money.

“We can save the communities money too by cutting down on the duplication of equipment and services.”

Apollo No. 3 Fire Chief Gradwell couldn’t think of any drawbacks to the consolidation idea.

“Not for the community or residents – not at all,” Chief Gradwell said.

An Apollo resident, Hilty is a member of both fire departments’ rosters. Hilty said the first step of consolidation was responding to the same emergencies.

“What most of the members of both departments have done is cross-join – members from North Apollo have filled out applications and joined Apollo No. 3 and members of their department have filled out applications and joined our department. That way, we’re starting to work together,” Hilty said.

Chief Burns and Chief Gradwell have been firefighters for 16 years and friends even longer.

The fire chiefs say North Apollo and Apollo No. 3 volunteers define the definition of mutual aid.

“We have a long-standing working relationship with each other,” Burns said.

“We’re becoming more of a family,” Gradwell added. “The comradery between us is just amazing.”

“From training to calls, we’ve always done everything together,” Burns concluded.

Apollo and North Apollo fire fighters are currently working on paperwork for the merger. The state Attorney General’s office will have to make final approval.

“Our end of it, we expect that to be ready in six months to a year,” Hilty said.

Firefighters will hold their first joint fundraiser – a cash bash - May 14 at Apollo No. 3’s fire station. North Apollo had a cash bash solely for their company last year. Companies home for double the community support this year.

Each department has about a dozen active volunteers

Both fire stations will remain open for the time being, but the ultimate goal is to also consolidate equipment.

Once everything is complete, Hilty said there will be “downsizing” since both departments have two fire engines each.

Whereas North Apollo has held a fire department since 1932, Apollo Hose Company No. 3 organized in 1898.

Locally, East Franklin Township and Applewold Borough Fire Departments are also going through the process of consolidation. Both municipalities’ volunteers respond to most of the same emergency calls as well.

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  By dawnterri, March 25, 2016 @ 8:12 AM

  I think this is a good move for both companies to have a strong future.
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  By dawnterri, March 25, 2016 @ 8:14 AM

  I think this is a good move for both companies to have a strong future to protecting the area.
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  By savvynewshound, March 29, 2016 @ 7:30 AM

  This should be done in Kittanning and Ford City as well. Time to cut off any public funding or switch to a “match” type system. You eat what you kill. Population is decreasing and the schools have merged. It’s time to downsize.

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