By Mike Sigov
The Blade
SPENCER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The former Spencer Township Fire Chief Carl Arnold handed over the keys to the fire station and the department’s operations to Springfield Township Assistant Fire Chief Rick Helminski early today in the presence of about a dozen protesters.
When the fire officials stepped out of the building, 2445 Frankfort Road, Holland, the protesters shouted in unison, ”It’s not over.”
Township trustees voted 2-0 in April to disband the department and contract with Springfield fire as they can no longer afford to operate its own department.
Trustees Shawn Valentine and Teresa Bettinger voted for the department closure.
Trustee Michael Hood, who did not vote, vowed that the transfer would not happen.
Chief Arnold said he and his department had heard talk of a deal to transfer Spencer Township’s operations to Springfield Township but thought “they were just that — rumors” and were surprised when an agreement was reached.
“[I am] a little disappointed and a little saddened that that it came to this,” he said. ”I want to send my heartfelt thanks to the citizens of the neighboring communities for their support.”
The opponents of closing the fire department formed a citizens committee and launched a collection drive to pay for an attorney. The group contends that open-meeting laws were violated by township officials discussing the fire department issue.
“At the end of the day it’s a good thing,” Chief Helminski said of the deal, adding that the transfer of service will be ”seamless.”
Spencer Township currently spends about $500,000 per year on its fire department.
Spencer’s contract with Springfield Township calls for Spencer to pay $128,000 in the first year and 3 percent annual increases thereafter over 10 years. Spencer Township’s firehouse will be staffed around the clock with three individuals, including at least one paramedic at all times.
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