Lima, Lenni Heights Fire Depts. in Talks to Merge

Lima and Lenni Heights Fire Companies are currently finalizing plans to merge the two departments, according to officials.

The merger was announced at the Middletown Township Council's Monday meeting.

Councilman Mark Kirchgasser said the township is not involved with the details of how the two companies will merge however they are helping with logistics.

The volunteer fire companies would merge into one, unified, physical entity, he said.

"This is not uncommon, in fact the state and its fire commissioner have been advocating such mergers across the state," Kirchgasser said.

He said the departments are working together to discuss how they will physically merge their equipment, officer heirarchy, operating procedures and station location.

"Ultimately, I think what you're going to see is a more efficient operation between the two departments and frankly a stronger manpower base coming out of one operation, rather than a diluted manpower base coming out of two operations," Kirchgasser said.

He said tentatively the new location for the fire station would be at the Lima location on Baltimore Pike but that has not been confirmed.

There is also no firm date yet as to when the two departments would combine.

Lima Fire Co. President Dean Keyes told Patch the two departments have been in discussions for about a year over the merger.

"It's going well. We're united because we want to help the community and keep it safe," Keyes said.

He said the township is in favor of merging the two departments at the Lima location and said logistically that's likely the safest option for the community.

"But I'm not saying that's going to happen," Keyes said. "That's an option right now."

Lenni Heights Fire Company President Jyl Lawler said in an email message to Patch that no location has been determined and any ideas of a location are just ideas at this point.

Lawler stressed that neither fire company is being closed or shut down.

"It's been a goal so far to make sure that neither company loses any of their legacy when the two become one," she said in an email message. "Unfortunately, due to society and demographics, the number of volunteers just isn't what it used to be so its imperative we do what we need to keep our residents safe. Merging our manpower and resources is the best way to do so."

Keyes said the merge is going to happen but did not want to give a specific date as to when it will happen. He did say it would happen "soon."

"Putting a deadline on it would create pressure," Keyes said. "We'll (merge) as safely as can be accomplished."

A name for the new fire company is still undetermined.

"The membership has to decide. We'll do what the membership wants," Keyes said.

Lawler said both fire companies have been working diligently, both tactically and administratively, to make it a smooth transition.

"The ultimate goal is to provide the best protection for our residents while doing so as cost effectively as possible," she said.