O’HARA TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — O’Hara Township officials commented today following the suspension of the Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department.

Although township officials say no residents are in danger, there are some concerns.

O’Hara Township is the home of a little more than 8,800 residents.

The fire company covering the area was Guyasuta, but as of the last township council meeting the department was voted out and suspended for the time being.

“It’s a matter of call-response and the safety of our residents and our area school children,” said Julie Jakubec, the manager of O’Hara Township. “[The] trucks that could get there the quickest would not be the first ones there.”

Jakubec says that wasn’t happening even though the Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department claimed it was, the township found out about three weeks ago.

“They informed our council that they had changed the run cards, what are called the run cards; and when our EMA coordinator contacted the county and requested copies, he discovered that the changes were not made,” said Jakubec.

She says at no time were the residents in danger nor are they now, but some residents are concerned.

“I hate to lose proper fire coverage for our neighborhoods,” said Monroe Snider, a resident of O’Hara Townhship.

“Our residents have the same excellent fire coverage that they’ve always had,” Jakubec said. “What we have in place covers them 100 percent.”

During the suspension, several volunteer fire companies are covering O’Hara Township including Fox Chapel, Aspinwall and Blawnox .

There has been no comment yet from Guyasuta Volunteer Fire Department. Officials say the suspension will be lifted when department makes changes.

RELATED LINKS:

O’Hara Township

O’Hara Township Suspends Volunteer Fire Department

More Local News