Pa. Firefighters Fear the End is Near for Department

Ingram council took the first step toward dropping the volunteer fire company that has served the borough for more than 100 years.

Council voted 5-1 Monday night to legally advertise an intergovernmental agreement between the borough and the city of Pittsburgh for fire protection services. By law, the legal ad must run in a newspaper for 30 days before the borough council can formally vote on a contract.

Borough council is expected to vote on the proposal at its April 11 meeting. But at Monday’s meeting, there were tears and jeers from citizens and volunteer firefighters who fear that the end has come for the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department.

Voting to advertise the agreement were council President Sam Nucci and members Karen Dixon, Greg Butler, Don Bennett and Samantha Wilfert. Councilman Jerry Ellis voted no. Councilman Joe Chesno was absent.

“You have destroyed this community,” said Donna Browning, as the meeting was adjourned and more than 100 spectators were asked to leave the borough building. She is the wife of fire Chief Don Browning.

Mayor Sharon Stetz, who late last year made the initial overture to Pittsburgh officials, does not vote on council motions unless there is a tie vote.

At the start of the Monday council meeting, Ingram solicitor Robert Garvin told residents that he advised council members and the mayor to make no comments and to answer no questions because the fire department officially notified borough officials that it has retained an attorney, Kim Houser.

“We felt we had no other option,” Chief Browning told officials. “We continue to be open to discussion with council. It’s a darn shame that people have to fight to be volunteers in this community.”

After the meeting the chief declined to say why the volunteer fire department has retained an attorney.

Pittsburgh’s proposal calls for Ingram to pay $459,170 over five years. Ingram’s ladder truck, pumper truck, hoses and other equipment would be turned over to the city.

Ingram has 3,300 residents and 30 volunteer firefighters. It borders the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Fairywood, Crafton Heights and Windgap.

The mayor had earlier said she had concerns about “public safety.”

The council president said, in response to citizen questions, that council had never received complaints about public safety or response times.

More than 100 residents have packed every council meeting this year, praising and supporting the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department. None have made negative comments.

Linda Wilson Fuoco: [email protected] or 412-263-1953.

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