PROTECTION

PROTECTION
Fire departments
Here's a brief history of how Perry Township began its own fire department after Salem increased the cost of protecting the township by almost 1,000 percent.
December 1986: City officials predict negotiating a new contract with the township will be difficult because the city wants a big increase.
May 1987: After receiving the figures, trustees say council is "simply crazy." The trustees say the cost would bankrupt the township, and they begin to gather information on forming a fire department.
June 1987: The township receives 30 applications from firefighters as talks continue.
August 1987: The township puts a fire levy on the ballot.
November 1987: Voters approve the levy, and a fire chief is named. Township officials say they were told the increase was not negotiable, but city officials say it was.
Source: The Vindicator