Tensions rise at Bellevue Borough meeting over decision to decertify volunteer fire company
The Bellevue Borough Council did not take any action Tuesday to rescind its decertification of a volunteer fire company, despite impassioned pleas by former volunteers and their supporters during a pre-council meeting.
The former chief of the Columbia Hose, Hook, and Ladder Company attended Tuesday's meeting, along with dozens of former volunteers, firefighters from surrounding communities, and residents of Bellevue.
Nearly every member of the public who attended advocated for the return of the company.
"I don't think you had any idea the backlash you were gonna receive when you made this decision," Ed Taylor, a Bellevue resident, said during a public comment period. "I think if you really examine yourselves, you'll realize what you did was wrong."
The majority of councilmembers voted last month to decertify the volunteer company, following the release of a report about the future of its hybrid fire system (Bellevue has relied on both paid and volunteer firefighters).
In a letter to the community, council president Jodi Cerminara said the company "does not have the staffing capacity to provide adequate services."
Sabreena Miller, one of two councilmembers who voted "No," said she was surprised when the issue came up for a vote.
"I am still trying to understand more and learn more and understand what that plan actually is," Miller said.
Without a volunteer outfit, Bellevue now has two paid firefighters. Pittsburgh fire has also agreed to respond to structure fires at no cost to the borough, according to the council.
"We've avoided tragedies so far, but emergencies aren't waiting," said Glenn Pritchard, the former chief of the volunteer company.
Pritchard, a volunteer himself, said before the meeting that their attempts to get the decertification rescinded was "like walking back into a divorce."
"I think it shows the dedication and commitment of these volunteers that we have been done this dirty by this council," Pritchard said. "And we're still willing to come out and put our lives on the line for our neighbors and for our community."
Pittsburgh's Action News 4 and other media outlets attempted to speak to Cerminara Tuesday, but she ignored questions as she walked into an executive session.
