SUNBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The future of Northumberland County's 911 Center is raising concerns among volunteer firefighters. Many attended Tuesday's commissioners meeting to voice their frustrations over a potential merger with neighboring counties.
While commissioners say no decisions have been made, volunteers worry about the cost and impact on emergency response.
The potential consolidation of Northumberland and Schuylkill County 911 centers has volunteer firefighters on edge.
The county recently approved a study to see if merging operations would be financially beneficial.
For those who rely on the system every day, change means uncertainty.
"We stand to lose the most; we, the volunteer fire service, stands to lose the most with these communication questions, and we want to be involved, and we have the knowledge to be involved," said Warrior Run Fire Department Chief Douglas Funk.
County commissioners reassured firefighters that the study is purely exploratory, emphasizing that no decisions have been made yet
"In the past few months, we've been working with Columbia, Montour to do a study, and we've also been talking to Schuylkill County to do a study, so we're just waiting to see, you know, when these studies come back at the end of the year. What's the best course for Northumberland County to take?" Northumberland County Commissioner Sam Schiccatano stated.
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One concern for firefighters is cost, since they operate on tight budgets.
They say any changes to 911 operations and radio systems could mean significant expenses
"When it comes down to the local volunteer fire companies in the municipalities just not being able to fund another upgrade to go onto another system, it's just not compatible with what we already have," Elysburg Fire Department Chief Dennis Kroh stated.
Commissioners say they will include all departments in the decision-making process once the results are in.
"So when these studies come back sometime in November, December, we'll be meeting with the firefighters, police officers, anyone who uses 911, and you know, meet and decide what's best for us," Schiccatano added.
Commissioners say these studies are not costing taxpayers anything. They are being funded by PEMA.
