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Montgomery Township wrestles with move to fuller fire staffing; board declines consultant for now
Summary
After months of debate and a public hearing with many residents, the Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors voted not to hire an outside consultant to study Chief Wegman’s proposed expansion to more full‑time fire staffing. Supporters pressed for faster action to improve emergency response; opponents raised cost and timing concerns.
Montgomery Township on Sept. 22 heard hours of public comment and debate over a proposed expansion of the township fire service before the Board of Supervisors voted not to hire an outside consultant to study the staffing proposal.
Chief Bill Wegman has proposed moving the department toward increased full‑time staffing and 24/7 coverage; the implementation plan discussed by the chief and township staff calls for hiring additional career firefighters and altering shift models. Supporters — including career fire personnel and members of the township public safety committee — said the proposal responds to falling volunteer availability and longer response times and that it would improve firefighter wellness by adopting a 24/72 schedule (2472) rather than a 24/48 model. Andrew Backland, a career captain and president of the professional…
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