Ingram Borough Council Votes To Eliminate Volunteer Fire Company

INGRAM (KDKA)- The Ingram Borough Council voted to enter into a fire protection agreement with the City of Pittsburgh, meaning the local volunteer fire company will be shut down.

The council members approved the intergovernmental agreement 6-1 at last night's meeting.

The meeting was very tense, as concerned citizens, firefighters and the council argued about the decision.

"I'm not done yet," one man screamed right in front of the borough council table. "I'm not abusing anything, you're abusing this whole crowd."

Later on in the meeting, when the council approved the intergovernmental agreement that pays the City of Pittsburgh for fire protection, the crowd booed loudly.

Police were at the meeting to make sure nothing got out of hand. After the decision was handed down, concerned neighbors and firefighters yelled at the council.

"I think it's a crying shame they dismantled an entire community, not just a fire department," said Ingram resident Hellena Twigg. "The fire department is a family and they dismantled a family."

Ingram Volunteer Fire Company Chief Don Browning was emotional about the closing of his fire house.

"I just don't know what's next for me, to be honest. I've been a member for 29 years, it's been a big part of my life," said Browning.

Browning went on to say, "I am deeply disappointed that our council would take this action. I don't think it's what is best for our community."

Some residents said they were considering leaving Ingram because of this decision.

"I have lived here for five years," said James Watson, of Ingram. "This is the first step towards regionalism, my wife and I have already talked about moving because of this."

In the end, the council said this decision came down to the money. They claimed it will be cheaper for taxpayers and the borough to pay the City of Pittsburgh for fire protection.

"With the city, it's a fixed cost over the next five years," said Council President Sam Nucci. "No unforeseen things, no additional vehicles, no additional liabilities. You add on other things they (Ingram Volunteer Fire Company) need, it would total $1.5 million."

The agreement for fire protection goes into effect immediately, meaning the Ingram Volunteer Fire Company is out of commission starting today.

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