County Fire Service Faces Crisis as Providers Seek Solutions

In a recent government meeting, officials convened to discuss proposals for fire service provision to the Wayside Volunteer Fire District, following a directive from the state to ensure adequate emergency response in the area. The meeting highlighted the county's role in establishing fire districts and contracting service providers, emphasizing that Wayside operates as a separate nonprofit entity.

The board had previously considered a collaborative approach between Cool Springs and Troutman fire departments to cover the district. However, Cool Springs Chief Webster expressed a lack of interest in providing service, prompting the need for alternative solutions. The meeting aimed to gather proposals from various fire service providers to ensure that residents receive the fire protection they are funding through taxes.

Assistant Chief Eddie Harp of Wayside outlined the challenges faced by the department, including staffing shortages and a high volume of medical calls. He noted that the majority of responses are handled by paid staff, with volunteer participation dwindling. The department has struggled to meet state response requirements, leading to concerns about potential service gaps.

Discussions also touched on the possibility of merging with Shepherd's Fire Rescue, with Harp indicating that his team is willing to transition under Shepherd's administration. Joel Cherry, board president of Shepherd's, confirmed that while the merger would be more of a takeover, they are prepared to assume Wayside's assets and personnel. However, he cautioned that this transition would incur additional costs beyond Wayside's current budget.

The meeting underscored the urgency of finding a sustainable solution for fire service in the Wayside district, with officials seeking detailed proposals from interested fire departments to ensure effective coverage for the community.