DUNMORE - The borough's Fire Department might soon be taking a less active role with Throop's emergency calls.
Members of Dunmore Borough Council expressed concern at Monday's meeting that Dunmore's paid Fire Department is taking on too much responsibility for emergency calls in neighboring Throop, which has a volunteer Fire Department.
Dunmore council President Salvatore Verrastro said the borough's Fire Department is the first agency to respond to many emergency calls in Throop, ranging from last week's apartment fire to routine false alarms.
Mr. Verrastro was among the councilmen who said they want Dunmore to continue to help Throop when there is a structure fire, but at the same time, they're concerned about Dunmore taxpayers taking on the burden for both boroughs while firefighters potentially put themselves out of position to respond to emergencies in Dunmore.
Some possible solutions Mr. Verrastro discussed included Dunmore firefighters responding only to working structure fires in Throop or potentially seeking some compensation for the services Dunmore is providing for its neighbor.
Thomas Lukasewicz, president of Throop Borough Council, said in a telephone interview he is grateful for Dunmore's help, but perhaps it is time for Dunmore's Fire Department to take a step back and let Throop firefighters be the first responders to emergencies in their own borough.
Mr. Lukasewicz said volunteers get demoralized when they consistently are beaten to the scene by Dunmore, and it is important his borough's firefighters understand they are needed and appreciated. He said if there is ever a significant need, he knows Dunmore will still help Throop, the same way Throop would help Dunmore.
Eric Hartshorn, Throop's fire chief, said both councils need to get together to work the relationship out - but while he likes having Dunmore's help, his firefighters can do the job.
In other business Monday, Dunmore council agreed to solicit bids for paving about a mile and a half of Elmhurst Boulevard and to explore putting a stop sign on Delaware Avenue near the First National Bank.
Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com