by Jeff Saunders
Reporter
Nordonia Hills -- Area officials discussing greater fire and emergency medical service cooperation say that a recent trial agreement between Northfield Village and Macedonia may be a model for the region.
Elected and fire department officials from the village, Boston Heights, Northfield Center and Sagamore Hills met May 20 to discuss what form blending the services might mean.
"What does it mean? What's the next step?" asked Northfield Center Trustee Richard Reville.
Sagamore Hills township attorney Jeff Snell, who has been serving as a moderator during discussions of the matter, said such blending might include such things as having the fire department closest to an emergency act as first responder, regardless of community boundaries, agreeing on procedures used in emergencies, and shared training.
"It could mean a variety of things," he said.
Over the next few months, the communities will have an opportunity to see the first of those possibilities in operation.
In June, Northfield Village and Macedonia plan to start a 90-day trial of a plan under which the village fire department will respond automatically to areas in the city around Ledge Road, west of North Bedford Road, that are closest to the village's fire department.
"It doesn't matter what it says on the side of that fire engine or ambulance, but who can get there first," said Northfield Village Councilor Chuck Lewis.
During the trial run, Macedonia will also respond to emergency calls, but the village will collect any ambulance billing fees for patients it transports from Macedonia. Village Mayor Victor Milani estimated such fees average $300 to $400.
Milani has said that the plan is in line with recommendations that were included in a year long study commissioned by the four communities and Macedonia in 2006 to look at improving fire and EMS coverage.
"It's something for us to look at and learn from," said Northfield Center Fire Capt. Frank Risko.
Sagamore Hills Trustee Richard Barrett suggested area fire chiefs continue sharing ideas and that the officials meet again in September to evaluate how the trial run between the city and village works out.
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