MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The West Ridge Fire Department is threatening to terminate its fire and emergency services agreement with Millcreek Township unless the township addresses what the department calls contractual violations within 10 days.
West Ridge notified township supervisors and the township solicitor Monday, citing disputes over incident command procedures and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.
One of the main issues involves an Oct. 1 directive from Millcreek Fire Chief Mike Cliff requiring Blue Card certification for anyone serving as incident commander at structural fires.
West Ridge argues the directive conflicts with its agreement with the township, which establishes command based on rank and allows a more senior-ranking official from either the volunteer or municipal department to take command after arriving.
The department also claims Millcreek has failed to develop a required recruitment and retention policy for volunteers. West Ridge says the municipal department has hired firefighters from volunteer departments without establishing a plan to sustain their staffing.
“West Ridge Fire Department entered into the Fire Protection, Ambulance and Emergency Services Agreement in good faith,” West Ridge President Gary Carver said. He said the department remains willing to cooperate with the township but wants the existing agreement honored.
The dispute also includes concerns over a West Ridge fire engine loaned to the township earlier this year. The department says the truck was returned after nine weeks with damage requiring about $12,000 in repairs. The township paid the repair bill, according to West Ridge.
West Ridge has also raised concerns about township plans referring to consolidating or merging Millcreek’s volunteer fire departments into the municipal department. West Ridge says it intends to remain an independent volunteer department.
The department is asking the township to develop a recruitment and retention policy, revise or rescind the Blue Card directive and address concerns involving volunteer-owned equipment.
If the alleged breaches are not resolved within the 10-day period, West Ridge says it intends to terminate the agreement.
Erie News Now on Monday reached to Millcreek Township officials for comment and is waiting to hear back.