Aspinwall, Sharpsburg Fire Departments merge to reduce resident cost, boost manpower

SHARPSBURG, Pa. — Nestled in two communities along the Allegheny River are two fire departments. But as of Sunday, Aspinwall and Sharpsburg Fire Departments are now one.

“I think it’s a good thing because it’s going to be able to serve both communities,” said Ron Burleigh who works in Sharpsburg.

The first responders will now operate as SAVES or Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services. The two stations posted the news to social media Sunday, emphasizing the move would reduce costs to residents, boost manpower and all for shared resources. But some residents wish they had gotten a heads up of this.

“They should have sent out pamphlets or something to let everyone know what they were going to do or have a meeting or something with the rest of us to hear their opinions then make a decision whether to do it or not do it,” said Nick Garcia who lives in Sharpsburg.

Starting now the trucks will respond as one department, but it will not be for a few more years until it is all finalized with just one chief.

The Sharpsburg Fire Chief told Channel 11 he invited other departments in the area to join in, but they declined. For now, the community is just waiting to see how it all plays out and for more information to be distributed by the departments.

“Dependent on the distance between them and the fire who’s going to determine which one will go,” Garcia said.

While the departments work out some legal details with the county, more information is expected to be released Wednesday.

Police: Man arrested for driving under influence of heroin with 4-month-old in car

©2022 Cox Media Group