By Tawnya Panizzi
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review
GUYASUTA, Pa. — About one month remains on a 90-day deadline for the suspended Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department to reorganize and resume emergency service in O’Hara.
In the meantime, volunteers have requested the township return some equipment taken after the June 7 suspension.
That exchange was set to happen Tuesday.
The fire engine, paid for with tax dollars, will remain in the township’s possession, but Guyasuta purchased other gear that equips the truck, and it will be returned, according to township manager Julie Jakubec.
Jakubec said she is waiting for Guyasuta officials to tell her whether members plan to reorganize the department’s leadership, a stipulation to avoid de-certification.
Calls to Fire President Rick Celender were not immediately returned.
Since June, the two sides have met once.
Council voted to suspend operations after saying it had lost confidence in the top fire personnel.
The main sticking point, according to Jakubec, was that council requested a change in Guyasuta’s response records, and action was never taken although council was told it had been.
Council member John Denny has said that the refusal to change the records put the public at risk.
The department, on its website, disputes that claim.
“There is something else going on, unrelated to the service we provide, which has been spotless,” according to the post.
Another post says: “You don’t just pick the closest department to respond. Fire leaders need to call into account the compatibility of equipment, training and availability of manpower.”
Neighborhoods typically covered by Guyasuta are being served by Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, Pleasant Valley and Parkview. They have responded to 15 calls in the service area since June, Jakubec said.
Council last month contracted Matrix Consulting Group to assist with the reorganization at a cost of $10,000.
“They are there for Guyasuta if they choose to use them,” Jakubec said,
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