Evaluation Sought On Fire Department

The decision to hire the firm was made Feb. 25.

On Feb. 5, the local fire department was called to put out a roof fire at the home of Supervisor John Haiko. Hampered by a lack of water and equipment, the $300,000 house burned to the ground.

At Tuesday's meeting, Haiko expressed concern about the West Bradford Fire Co.'s report for February, which he termed as "highly deficient."

Haiko also introduced the motion to withhold the quarterly contribution to the fire company.

"This is not a vindictive act on my part," Haiko said after Tuesday's meeting.

"I feel I'm acting as a concerned citizen."

Supervisor Mark Blair called the action to withhold funds a "prudent business move." Blair, who was sworn in as supervisor Tuesday, added: "We want to make sure the fire company responds to the evaluation. We want to make sure this kind of thing (Haiko's house burning down) doesn't happen again."

Due out next month, the report will outline ways in which fire protection services in the township can be improved.

In his critique of the monthly report, Haiko said he took exception to how Fire Chief John Carbo had determined the amount of property lost in the township due to fire.