LOWER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — Township Fire Chief Ty Johnson oversees 65 volunteer firefighters, more than $15 million of equipment and four stations.
Johnson also helps protect more than 11,000 residents in Lower Saucon and others in surrounding communities.
And he, too, is a volunteer.
Lower Saucon supervisors last week voted to begin the process of adding a paid chief position to the township, with the right candidate handling administrative duties of the fire force and leading its personnel.
That motion passed 3-1.
Councilman Jason Banonis voted against the proposal. Councilman Thomas Carocci was absent.
First step of many
Officials in favor said the vote was the first step of many in creating the new township position.
“In meeting with our volunteer fire departments, this is something that they have talked to us about repeatedly as something they see as a being a priority, something that would help their organization,” said Councilwoman Laura Ray, who is the board's Fire Services Committee liaison.
“I compare it to when you work for a large corporation — if it’s well managed, well organized, you have good managers leading you, it motivates your employees so it really helps things run smoothly.”
“In meeting with our volunteer fire departments, this is something that they have talked to us about repeatedly, as something they see as a being a priority, something that would help their organization."Laura Ray, Lower Saucon Township councilwoman and Fire Services Committee liaison
Councilwoman Victoria Opthof-Cordaro, a fellow Fire Services liaison, said approving the new position would help to “continue the robust and proud history we have with volunteer fire departments in Lower Saucon, but maintain that moving forward.”
That would save the volunteers time on administrative tasks, leading to more time to spend with loved ones, she said.
'A knee-jerk reaction'
Banonis said he didn’t see “a compelling need” for the new paid position. To be safe, he said, the job description and other procedures could use another set of eyes.
He asked who specifically at the Fire Services meetings had advocated for bringing on a new fire chief position.
Nobody answered that question.
“This just seems like a knee-jerk reaction from the moron majority, yet again. I’m not saying I’m not in favor of a paid fire chief, but I think I need more justification for it and that hasn’t been explained to me.”Lower Saucon Township Councilman Jason Banonis
“This just seems like a knee-jerk reaction from the moron majority, yet again,” Banonis said.
“I’m not saying I’m not in favor of a paid fire chief, but I think I need more justification for it and that hasn’t been explained to me.”
Acting Township Manager Cathy Gorman said she’s been involved with the Fire Services Committee for nearly 15 years, and the subject of a paid fire chief has been an “on and off” topic for about a decade.
Township officials consulted with a fire official in Upper Saucon Township and are reviewing municipal ordinances from surrounding areas for the proper steps forward on the matter, she said.
Consulting services
To help the township in managing the process of adding the new position, the council voted 3-1 — with Banonis again voting against — to pay no more than $20,000 for consulting services from Jerry Ozog.
Ozog also works as the executive director of the Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Seems to me the fire company’s doing a great job.”Lower Saucon resident Dave Boulin, speaking on the new fire chief position and contract before the vote
He would help township officials review its ordinances, administrative code, job description and assist in the hiring process, according to supporting council members.
Banonis said he had yet to see Ozog’s credentials.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” resident Dave Boulin said of the new position and contract before the vote.
“Seems to me the fire company’s doing a great job.”
