Fire district looks to improve communication

POLAND — Western Reserve Joint Fire District officials took another step forward in improving communications among 17 Mahoning County fire departments.

Trustees agreed Wednesday to advertise for bids next month to buy equipment using a $793,450 Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency grant that was approved in October 2006.

On tap for purchase are more than 100 mobile radios, as well as several hundred portable radios, pagers and other related communications equipment, said Pete Johnson, clerk.

The departments have contributed a 20 percent matching share. The move will allow better communication among the departments and will let them operate with the same equipment, noted David Comstock, the district’s chief.

Later this year, all three fire stations under the district should receive backup generators and diesel exhaust systems as part of a separate $187,785 FEMA grant. The project, estimated at $220,000, will protect firefighters in the stations from breathing noxious fumes, Johnson noted.

Officials also agreed to place a five-year, one-mill renewal levy on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. The levy would generate $264,088 annually, and the funds would be used for renovations, equipment, supplies and other related expenses.