CLEARFIELD – For months, the Clearfield Volunteer Fire Co. has been operating out of the First Ward station on Cherry Street.
Clearfield Fire Chief John Williams said the move to one hall has shown a drop in response times, and the number of people on responding trucks have increased in that time. Both changes, Williams said, have led to increased safety for both residents and volunteers.
At question in the mind of at least one Clearfield Borough Council member, though, was whether the trucks should remain all in one station and whether the fire company should build a new fire hall — a topic that has been brought up at council meetings for some time.
Barry Reddinger, Fourth Ward representative, said he wanted to know if the trial period for relocating fire trucks has expired. Williams responded that the six-month trial period has been over for some time.
“I seriously think, as council, it’s our responsibility to take this issue to voters and put this issue on the November ballot,” said Reddinger.
He said he wanted the voters to weigh in not only on the relocation of engines to First Ward, but also whether the fire company should construct a new fire hall.
“I think that ought to be on the ballot and let the voters say, ‘Yes, I agree with it’ or ‘No, I don’t agree with it,'” Reddinger said.
Clearfield Borough Solicitor F. Cortez “Chip” Bell said he will look into whether it is too late to add the issue for the November election.
Reddinger’s point was brought up after Williams informed council that fire company representatives are planning a trip to Johnsonburg in the future to see a fire company building that was created primarily with grant funds.
“You can build a fire hall without taxpayer money,” Williams said.
Clearfield Borough Secretary Pam Peters said Community Development Block Grants could also be used to acquire property and to build a fire hall.
Clearfield Borough residents will be reminded of what the fire company was like before all of the engines were moved to the downtown station. Construction on the sewer project next month will necessitate the equipment being moved back to their original stations for a three-week period. The aerial truck will be temporarily housed in the Third Ward fire hall.
