The State of Fire Service

By: Board President Dan DeMarco

Near the top, in a long list of responsibilities the Board of Commissioners have to the residents of Ross Township, has always been the provision of reliable fire protection service. Ross Township has the unique advantage of the dedicated service of eight (8) independent, non-profit fire departments within our borders. The men and women who serve as firefighters in these departments do so without any compensation. Common sense dictates that the dollar value of these brave individuals is well beyond the $7.8 million annual cost of the Ross Township Police Department. The Township's 2023 budget for fire protection service is $1.5 million, which includes an annual contribution of $80,000 to each fire department.

We are currently facing the same serious problem of numerous municipalities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: A considerable decline in the number of volunteer firefighters. Society has changed over the past 30-40 years, and people seem to no longer have the time it takes to be a member of an all-volunteer fire department. Unfortunately, those days in the 1980s when I was a member/firefighter at the Berkeley Hills Fire Company, and volunteers were plentiful, are long gone. A 2014 report from the Pennsylvania Senate illustrated the challenges in front of us, citing on page 11 a report from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, action that needs to be taken by local governments: http://pehsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/SR-6-REPORT-FINAL.pdf. The report was helpful, but the reality is that Harrisburg will not provide us with solutions needed for Ross Township. We are on our own when it comes to deciding the best path forward.

The Board of Commissioners earlier this year approved the engagement of a professional consultant, Rob Brady, to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the future of the fire protection service in Ross Township. The development of the plan itself was officially launched in March. Mr. Brady and his team are well qualified to conduct an in-depth study of the fire departments and creation of this plan, having done numerous similar plans throughout Pennsylvania, most recently and locally for Upper St. Clair Township.

This effort will involve a great deal of information gathering and analysis, and many meetings and candid discussions with fire department members and Township officials, again proving the commitment of these brave men and women to the residents of Ross Township. It will likely be completed in the spring of 2024, and it will provide the Township and the fire departments with some suggested next steps.

Finally, while we undertake this endeavor, it is important as always to emphasize the need for residents to support in any amount possible the solicitation of a contribution from your fire department when received in the mail. Remember that our volunteer firefighters always respond to your call for help when needed without any hesitation. They do so because of their unwavering dedication to saving lives and protecting property in Ross Township.

New Chief of Police

In January, Cristyn Zett was sworn in as Chief of Police in Ross Township. Chief Zett is the first woman to lead our police department. Additionally, Detective Sgt. Brian Kohlhepp was named to the newly created Deputy Chief of Police position. Congratulations!

Honoring Former Commissioner Grace E. Stanko

At a February Board of Commissioner's Meeting, a memorial plaque was unveiled to the family of Former Ross Township Commissioner Grace E. Stanko (1945-2021). Grace served for 16 years as a commissioner. The plaque will be permanently displayed at the newly constructed Perrysville gazebo, next to the Perrysville Volunteer Fire Company.

Township Jobs/Vacancies

Interested in getting involved? Visit the link below and apply today!

https://www.ross.pa.us/jobs

Rain Barrel Rebate Program

The Township has implemented a Rain Barrel Rebate Program. Visit the link below to learn how to receive your $25 Rebate.

Rain Barrel Rebate Program