Forest Hills VFD Considers Merger with Braddock Hills

Forest Hills Volunteer Fire Department officials say they're open to merging with a neighboring community.

At a council public safety committee meeting earlier this week, fire department President Rick Colella said FHVFD members had been approached by Braddock Hills Council about merging the two boroughs' fire departments. Swissvale also has been approached with the same offer.

Councilman Bill Tomasic said council members never were made aware of the possible talks and negotiations with Braddock Hills. He said the decision ultimately is up to council, and Braddock Hills officials should contact Forest Hills officials in writing.

Tomasic said he is not in favor of a merger.

"The word 'merger' is not in my vocabulary," he said."I am not opposed to contracting or consolidation."

Colella said VFD officials have not entered into negotiations with Braddock Hills, but they would like to see some sort of deal go through.

"We want the opportunity to do this," he said. "We need to grow. If we don't do it, someone else will grow.

"The state encourages [mergers] because they see the lack of volunteers and they reward it with funding."

Colella said the department already responds to calls in Braddock Hills—9 percent of the department's activity occurs in the neighboring borough—and the merger wouldn't negatively affect the service Forest Hills residents receive.

"They have 50 calls a year," he said. "They can't keep their membership. We can offer that to them.

"We want to make it good for both communities."

Tomasic said officials have to look at the public safety and financial aspects of the matter before any decision is made.

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