Starke County Fire Association Looking Toward First Responder Reimbursement

Posted on February 23, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Starke County Fire Association members are currently reviewing the First Responder program operations.

Starke County Council President Dave Pearman, who is also active with the Washington Township Fire Department, said discussions have started about the possible reimbursement to fire departments for answering calls that require First Responder assistance.

“What I’d like to propose to the commissioners that we form a committee and do some discovery on that and look at some possibilities on how we could do that,” stated Pearman.

Councilman and Hamlet Fire Chief Brad Hazelton explained the basis for the conversation.

Hazelton commented, “The big thing is that the city, towns and townships are kinda wanting to know, ‘hey, why are my trucks running all the time to all these medical calls and we’re getting nothing in return?’”

Pearman is looking for a few council members, a commissioner, EMS Director Travis Clary, and the President and Vice President of the Starke County Fire Association to be part of the committee to find a possible solution.  Pearman believes he has an idea on how to work on it with budget figures.

Commissioner Charlie Chesak said he would be a part of the organization and Clary agreed to the discussions.  Pearman and Hazelton will serve on the committee as well.  Once communication with other committee members is made, a meeting will be scheduled to begin discussions.