Fire official: Bad roads slow response

YOUNGSTOWN — The president of the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department complained to the Mahoning County commissioners that deteriorated local roads are slowing down his department’s response times.

Thomas Rhodes, of Goshen Township, said emergency vehicles are sometimes limited to 5 to 10 mph due to poor road conditions.

“I hate going to somebody and the house is burning down and saying: ‘Sorry, I couldn’t get there,’’’ in a timely manner, he told the commissioners today.

Rapid fire department response is necessary to keep insurance costs reasonable, he added.

Anthony Traficanti, chairman of the commissioners, told Rhodes a road maintenance summit meeting for representatives of all levels of government will soon be held in Jackson Township.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com