Residents oppose volunteer fire department takeover plan

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County residents pushed back against county plans to shut down the Isle of Hope Volunteer Fire Department during a community meeting Thursday.

Tensions were high as residents told the Board of Commissioners the takeover is not what they want for their community.

“We don’t want this to go away, we would love to keep our fire department volunteering just the way it is,” said Ramona Connor, an Isle of Hope resident.

Department operations and concerns

The Isle of Hope Fire Department is made up of 28 volunteer firefighters. The station also houses contracted Savannah firefighters for daytime emergencies. The department has been operating for 78 years.

Chatham County wants to take over the station. Chief Thomas Christiansen said with the closest Chatham fire station four miles away, the plan is flawed.

“They know they get a quick response from us and if Chatham took over they’re worried that they won’t get that quick response,” Christiansen said.

Concerns were raised over cost. Residents will end up paying more under the county’s system than they do now.

Survey controversy

The county is conducting a survey to get a better picture of resident satisfaction. Tensions rose over the survey as residents told county officials they feel the questions are slanted toward Chatham Fire.

Chairman Chester Ellis said residents can still participate in the survey without answering definitive questions.

“They don’t have to answer any of the questions on there, but do the comment part, okay because those are the things that we’re going to look for,” Ellis said.

Despite residents’ pleas, Ellis would not definitively answer whether he supports the Isle of Hope Fire Department.

“I’m concerned, I don’t think the chairman, Mr. Ellis, is on our side at all, so that’s not good,” Christiansen said.

The Isle of Hope Fire Department has an ISO Class Four rating, placing the station in the top 10 percent of fire departments nationwide. Volunteer firefighters complete a 270-hour training course, the same requirement for paid firefighters.

Ellis said there is no date set for a vote on this matter. Until a final decision is reached, the Isle of Hope Fire Department will operate as usual.