Millburn Joint Fire Agreement 'Not In Jeopardy'

Fire Chief Joseph Houck says that the relationship the Summit Fire Department has with Millburn is not in jeopardy.

Houck had previously reported at an earlier council budget workshop that cuts in the department would mean staff reductions that could severe ties with Millburn, including the combined dispatch center.

Millburn shares the cost of the dispatch center, which is based in Summit, at a cost of $170,000 per year. Additionally, the two departments have an automatic aid agreement. When there are reports of smoke or fires in either community, both departments automatically respond.

But Houck says he spoke with Millburn Fire Chief Michael Roberts last week and he is confident the relationship is not in jeopardy.

"We're going to work through it," Houck said. "I don't think it's in jeopardy."

The two departments have applied for a SHARE grant to fund a shared services study currently underway. There is concern that if the departments do not receieve the grant, the municipality will not fund the study.

"I'm pretty confident that we'll figure out a way to raise the money locally to fund the study because we know it's important and shared servces is important today," Houck said.