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CANFIELD – Sisters Morgan and Lisa Eichert, members of the Western Reserve Methodist Church in Canfield Township, attended the Cardinal Joint Fire District meeting Tuesday to deliver a lot of refreshing goodies.
The two girls did a project to provide refreshments and treats for firefighters during Fire Prevention Week.
"Our pastor learned about a church in another state that did this," said Morgan Eichert. "We thought it was a neat idea, so we went with it."
She said during the month of October, the girls collected items from church parishioners. They asked for thirst-quenching drinks, snacks and gift cards to be used for food.
"We collected nine cases of water, 11 cases of Gatorade, 24 boxes of snacks and 17 gift cards," Lisa said.
CJFD Chief Don Hutchison and Deputy Chief Mark Pitzer thanked the girls for their donation and had a group photo taken with firefighters who were working at Station 2.
In a different matter, the board accepted the resignation of Gary DiTullio from the fire board. DiTullio said he is moving into the township and can no longer be a city representative of the fire board. After a brief discussion, board member Christine Oliver suggested he remain on the board to finish out the year and give city council time to fill the seat, and DiTullio agreed.
As to future purchases, Hutchison said a new pumper truck is being considered. He said the cost is approximately $1.3 million and would take three years to build. He said the truck is made from stainless steel, which has served the department well.
"Since 2008, we've been buying stainless steel (apparatus)," Hutchison said.
He pointed out the crashes recent trucks have been through and how they were able to be put back into service and repairs made because of the ease of working with stainless steel.
The board unanimously agreed to purchase a gas detection monitor for natural gas leaks from Citizens First at a cost of $4,820.09.
Hutchison also noted a grant has been applied for to help convert the district to MARCS radios. He said the present cost of the radios in use now is $18 times 56 radios. The MARCS radio fee is only $5 per radio. He said the district will know where it stands for the grant around January.
In other business, the board:
* Heard from Hutchison that September calls included 355 for service, of which 85 were for the Canfield Fair. There was zero fire loss and 133 ambulance calls.
* Unanimously agreed to hire firefighter 2/paramedic Julian Dillard at a starting wage of $21.22 per hour. The chief will determine the start date.