LICKING COUNTY, Ohio (WSYX) — Tensions are rising in Hartford Township as the fire department is facing massive cuts approved by leaders in the community.
Trustees tell ABC 6 budget constraints led to this decision, but it’s leaving a gap in coverage throughout the community.
Fire Chief John Hill said one man is staffing the department, leading to a lot of frustration and a concern for public safety.
“If the chief decides to walk out, the rest of the staff is walking out too,” said Lisa Palmer of Hartford Township. “And what are we going to do?”
Trustees voted to lay off all full-time employees and replace them with a part-time crew on April 15. While the number of layoffs is unclear, they include Chief Hill.
The layoffs formally took effect on May 5th.
Trustee Gilbert Grandstaff was the only trustee to vote against the layoffs, but agrees the township is struggling to pay its fire staff.
The cuts are also fueling fears of retaliation. A Licking County Sheriff’s report shows shots were fired near the home of a Hartford Township trustee on April 29. That incident is still under investigation.
During a special meeting on Thursday, Trustee Tim Debolt said the township established a fire board made up of surrounding area chiefs to interview part-time chief applicants.
“That board is going to do their own interview process, and by the end of next week, that process will be done,” Trustee Debolt said during Thursday’s meeting. “From there, that board will present the trustees the top picks out of their interviews.”
Neighbors are worried about how the cuts will impact response times.
“We’ll have to wait for Johnstown,” Palmer said. “We’ll have to wait for Homer. We’ll have to wait for Centerburg. Just recently, I heard it was 11 minutes before we could get another company out to go to aid for a citizen. We don’t have that time. Time is important. And it’s sad.”
Trustees tell ABC 6 that Chief Hill continues to lead the department as interim chief as they look for a part-time chief.
“You can’t run a department with just two people there,” Palmer said. “You have to have a medic or else you can’t run. My life matters and every second counts.”
It’s not clear if the township will rely on mutual aid to ensure safety for the 2100 people who call Hartford Township home.
Trustee Debolt told ABC 6 to refer to their legal team for any further information.
Trustees plan to discuss the concerns further at their next meeting on Monday, May 19.
