CANFIELD — Cardinal Joint Fire District acting Chairman John Morvay was issued a plaque to honor the time he served on the board during the final meeting of 2023 on Thursday.

Morvay said he looked back at the accomplishments during his time on the board.

“Since John came on board, the district got more full-time paramedics, built Station 2 on Herbert Road,” said board member Joe Paloski

He added Morvay has seen the district grow in staff, equipment and service. He also saw the need for a good emergency medical service grow. This year, the district answered 2,800 calls.

“This is my last meeting, but if you need anyone on a committee, I’ll be here,” Morvay said. “This is rewarding to see the fruits of your labor in action serving the community. Carry on, but I’ll be around.”

NEW STAIR CHAIRS

During the chief’s report, Don Hutchison informed the board that the three Striker stair chairs arrived and are on three of the district’s ambulances.

The chairs save an emergency responder’s back when carrying a person up or down stairs.

The chairs take all the lift out of it, and Hutchison said all the CJFD crew has to do is guide it.

“The chairs will save a lot of backs,” he said.

The chairs cost just over $40,000, and the district received a Bureau of Workers’ Comp grant for $30,575.84, or 75% of the cost. The fire district had to chip in approximately $10,000.

“We still need one for the fourth ambulance,” Hutchison said. “We are hoping to get that next year (2024).”

The board also approved the hiring of Erin Gilmour and Cory Mrofchak to full time, and John Ervin to conditional part time.

POLAND FIRE MERGER?

As the meeting closed, board member Denise Harlan asked why the Boardman Fire Department is not looking to merge with Poland. CJFD legal adviser and Western Reserve Fire District Chief David “Chip” Comstock said the two departments are not compatible.

“Boardman and Poland are very far apart. Poland is a volunteer department moving toward part time, while Boardman is a full-time career department,” Comstock said. “They are just very far apart, where Canfield is a full-time career department and thus more alike. Poland has no interest in joining with Boardman.”

jtwhitehouse@vindy.com