An entire fire department in Summit County now knows when it is shutting down.
Firefighters working for Northfield Center Sagamore Hills Fire District 27 will lose their jobs on September 15. That’s when Macedonia will take over fire coverage of both towns.
The fire house will still operate, but with Macedonia employees. The move closes an 88-year-old department in Northfield Center that has also had a joint agreement with Sagamore Hills since 2010. Sagamore Hills decided to pull out of that agreement earlier this year and contract with Macedonia.
Northfield Center trustees decided to follow suit after voters rejected Issue 3, a $6 million levy which would have continued funding the department.
The 28 staffers already there were given the option to apply for positions with Macedonia, but many are choosing to move on.
“It’s not an easy thing for myself or my officers because we work so hard to give the service to our residents,” Fire Chief Frank Risko said, “And we know that Macedonia will do the same. It’s just that it’s happening to us at this time.”
“It’s reality and many of us have to come to grips with it in our own way,” Lt. Dave Sabo said, “But we can feel proud with what we’ve done and how we’ve served."
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