A petition, with nearly 300 signatures, hopes to save a volunteer program at the West City Fire Department.
The village of West City began the trial program after realizing they were one of three towns in Franklin County without a volunteer program. Officials say it costs the city very little, with just gas and liability insurance. Even so, the city still doesn't believe the program is necessary. Deputy Fire Chief Tim McGuire says the department has addressed their concerns.
"They're worried about these calls where nine or 10 people will show up and they're not needed. And I have to agree with the village board on that, that's not needed. It's kind of overbearing, but we've handled that. We've got it knocked down to where we would only have one or two people plus an officer," said McGuire.
The petition is just shy of 300 signatures. The department plans to present that petition to the village board at their next meeting on June 4th.