DEAR EDITOR:

There has been some discussion about combining the Canfield and Boardman fire districts.

Let’s look at that. The Canfield Fire District operates like a well-oiled machine. The personnel are skilled and well trained. The response time is excellent. We have strategically located three units in the township. Our equipment, including four ambulances, has served us well. We have supported the district financially. Many dollars have been spent upgrading our state-of-the-art dispatch and communications system. We handle 911 calls.

The Canfield Fire District has approximately 17,000 people, including the city of Canfield of 7,500. Boardman has 40,000. Do they have funding, equipment or coverage issues in their system which Canfield may have to support?

How would this change affect district personnel leadership and seniority? Who owns the equipment and facilities? Why would we want to dilute our district’s capability? Where would most of the effort go? Who has priority?

Do we want to risk losing the excellent service we now get? Currently, if your insurance does not cover ambulance service, there is no charge. Would that continue?

Eventually, this issue may come before council. Should it come to that, it must be on the ballot for all citizens to decide. It is a major issue affecting all Canfield city and township residents.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

FRANK A. MICCHIA

Canfield