Overview
- The borough council voted unanimously to remove the volunteer fire company as the primary responder over missing documentation including bank statements, rosters, background checks, and ISO information.
- Connellsville Township crews were assigned to cover calls immediately after the vote, and the fire company briefly said it would stop responding in the borough.
- At a public meeting, Chief Jeremy Grubbs said the department’s attorney advised limiting disclosures and initially refused to provide bank statements before agreeing to turn over some records.
- Mayor Chris Wiltrout said he intends to veto the council decision within ten days and directed the 911 center to reinstate the company as the primary responder while documents are compiled.
- Council President George Jay said the borough historically budgeted $10,000 for the fire company, reduced to $5,000 last year, as residents voiced concerns that outside crews could add 7 to 9 minutes to response times.