LIBERTY FIRE DEPARTMENT Chief proposes building of a centralized station

Liberty's fire chief says the department is looking to buy a ladder truck next year.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Fire Chief Michael Durkin is proposing the construction of a centralized fire station as part of his long-range goals.
This would eliminate the need for the stations on Belmont Avenue and Logangate Road.
Durkin, 43, who took over the department April 1, said Tuesday that a new facility would cost between $350,000 and $500,000.
The proposal is among a number of items Durkin said he is working on to increase efficiency and firefighting ability.
A centralized station in the area of Belmont and state Route 304, Durkin explained, would put it in an area where the department gets most of its ambulance and car-fire calls: the Belmont corridor.
"We'd be closer to the bulk of our runs," Durkin said, adding that one facility would reduce maintenance and utility costs.
Working together
Durkin said he believes in the "team approach" to firefighting, where all firefighters arrive at a blaze at one time rather than in phases. This approach, Durkin explained, allows firefighters to better attack a blaze.
The chief said township Administrator Patrick J. Ungaro "likes the idea" and the firefighters are in favor of it because they travel a great deal between the two stations.
Durkin admits money is an issue, and township trustees control that aspect.
Durkin's plans also call for the purchase of a ladder truck.
Currently Liberty has a mutual assistance agreement with Girard and Brookfield Township to use their ladders.
"It's something we're definitely going to look at next year," Durkin stressed.
Although there are no high-rise buildings in the township, the chief explains, a ladder truck would be used to get above the flames at motels, nursing homes and sprawling businesses.
As part of upgrading the department, trustees have authorized the bidding procedure for buying a new ambulance for $85,000 to $95,000.
"It gets a lot of use," Durkin said of the ambulance, noting the 1996 truck has nearly 60,000 miles.
The 1996 ambulance will be kept and the 1990 backup will be traded in.
Full-time position
Durkin says he will assign Capt. Ron Stauffer to work full time in an inspection and fire prevention bureau by the end of June. Inspections are being done by firefighters and captains but on a part-time basis.
Durkin said Stauffer will conduct fire prevention programs in schools and for businesses.
The township has applied for a $62,570 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for computer software, training materials and equipment to support the bureau.
"We can do a lot of fire prevention with the grant," the chief asserted.
With Stauffer moving to head the bureau and the retirement of an engineer, the department will be hiring two firefighters by month's end.
yovich@vindy.com