Crime & Safety

Option Fire to Discuss Baldwin Fire Company Mergers Wednesday Night

'We cordially invite you to an informational meeting at 7 p.m. to learn about the potential closure or consolidation of the Option Independent Fire Company.' - company letter

A free study that Baldwin Borough officials took advantage of in the somewhat-recent past has opened up a lot of eyes around the borough.

The result of that study, which was offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, was a recommendation that Baldwin should merge all four (now three) of its active fire stations—equipment, personnel, et al.—into one fire company.

Borough Manager John Barrett has said that borough officials are probably not going to go that far but offered that perhaps two companies could cover Baldwin's firefighting needs—one for north Baldwin and the other for south Baldwin.

Whether or not the borough will end up with just two fire companies (or just one for that matter) is yet to be determined, but the leaders of the Option Independent Fire Company in central Baldwin seem worried enough about that possibility to host an informational meeting about the topic this Wednesday night, June 26, at their station along Streets Run Road.

In a letter obtained by the Baldwin-Whitehall Patch, Option officials are inviting borough residents and business owners to the 7 p.m. meeting to, as the letter states, "learn about the potential closure or consolidation of the Option Independent Fire Company."

After a presentation at the meeting by company members, the public is invited to take part in a Q-and-A session. In addition, tours of the station, including a look at Option equipment, will be available, and light refreshments will be provided.

"The Option Independent Fire Company is only a phone call away from providing top-notch emergency service to Baldwin-area homes and businesses," the letter states. "But, until a need arises, many are not aware of the company's programs, volunteers and organization.

"The Option Independent Fire Company is secure financially. Our fiscal restraint has enabled us to provide comprehensive service without interruption and to comply with applicable regulations. As such, we have never asked for an increase in our annual borough subsidy.

"A recent municipal study determined that Option Independent Fire Company receives the most calls of all stations and is responsible for the second-highest number of structures in Baldwin Borough.

"Our volunteer base of firefighters and social members continues to grow. The dedicated members of Option Independent Fire Company proudly volunteer their service to the community with no compensation. We participate in parades, demonstrations and educational forums in partnership with the Baldwin Borough (Public) Library, schools and organizations to help educate children on the importance of fire safety."

Guests do not have to RSVP for the meeting. Contact the station at 412-881-9704 for more information.

The meeting location is 825 Streets Run Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236.

Option Fire is celebrating the 90th anniversary of its charter this year.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.