Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
While the construction of a third fire station represents a major change for Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory this year, more developments could be in store.
In a recent interview about the opening of Fire Station 3 on CR 200S, Fire Chief Mike Wilson said the territory might need to begin looking at construction of a fourth fire station, this one for the north side of Warsaw, which is seeing immense growth.
The north side, along Ind. 15 and parts of U.S. 30, has seen a rush of commercial and residential growth in the past dozen or so years and is poised to see more industrial expansion after the city annexed about 400 acres near the airport.
That area includes the north campus of Zimmer Biomet, but much of the land is undeveloped and is being primed by the city for industrial growth.
Initial plans for a third station dated back 10 years when the city fire department merged with Wayne Township fire service.
Wilson said he could envision a fourth station coming together in five to eight years.
“I could see the potential of another station – maybe a smaller station, a two-bay station – somewhere in the area of the airport,” Wilson said.
A decision on whether a fourth station is needed could depend on results of a review of coverage by ISO, a business that provides analysis involving insurance coverage.
When the township might seek that review or how soon the subject could be debated was unclear. Wilson could not be reached for comment late this week.
Meanwhile, the town of Winona Lake is once again looking at whether to merge its volunteer fire department with the fire territory.
The town is surrounded by the fire territory and some contend a merger would make sense.
The town was invited to join the territory when it was created 10 years ago but opted out.
Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach confirmed the town has asked Umbaugh to assess whether a merger would be a good move for the town.
Talk of a merger has resurfaced as part of a comprehensive plan for the town, Allebach said.
The report is expected to look at cost, impact on homeowners and impact on tax rate, Allebach said.
He said they expect to receive the report soon.
If the Umbaugh report is favorable, the town council would confer with the fire department to get its input.
If they seek to merge, there would be a series of public meetings between January and April, Allebach said.
One issue that has changed since the last time they considered merging is that it’s become more difficult to attract volunteers and have them available during the daytime, he said.
Wilson said talk of a merger has been an “open question.” He said he believes such a change would be an asset to both entities.
Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer declined comment, saying it’s a decision between the town and its fire department.
Mitch Titus, fire chief for the volunteer department, said he’s heard talk that the town is looking into whether to consider a merger.
He said town officials have not informed him.
He declined to comment on what he thinks might be best.
The department has about 30 volunteers.
Titus is a volunteer. He sought to have the town council make the fire chief’s position a paid position several years ago, but council balked.
There are 11 volunteer fire departments in Kosciusko County. In addition to Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, departments in Syracuse and North Webster are paid.
