Final Report to Council & Citizens 

What is the FSRC?

The Fire Service Review Committee (FSRC) was created in February 2024 by a unanimous vote of Council. The mission of this democratically run ad hoc committee is to analyze and evaluate West Mayfield’s current fire service within the context of the borough’s fire prevention and fire protection program, and to report its findings of fact and evidence-based recommendations to council.

Does the FSRC have a website?

Since February, the Fire Service Review Committee has publicly posted committee events, activities, research findings, and other relevant information to FSRC Online.

Who sits on the FSRC?

The Fire Service Review Committee is made up of ten volunteer members. There are six citizen representatives and four local government representatives. The WMVFD chose not to have representation on the committee.

How much did the Fire Service Review Committee cost taxpayers?

The work of the Fire Service Review Committee was performed “in house” by volunteer members of the committee, saving West Mayfield taxpayers the expense of outside consultants—which typically charge many thousands of dollars to conduct such public safety reviews. Council did not stipulate an operating budget for the FSRC, however, the committee did incur expenses estimated to be less than $100 (accounting for occasional printing and copying activities using municipal resources).

How did the FSRC conduct its review?

The Fire Service Review Committee chose four areas of inquiry: Community, Fire Service Ecosystem, Local Government, and the Current Fire Service. The committee conducted a community survey, held listing sessions with citizens, interviewed firefighters from neighboring communities, and held a fact-finding meeting with local government officials. Information and data was sourced from public records and government agencies, as well as from RTKL requests.   

What has been the FSRC’s workflow?

The Fire Service Review Committee held in-person working meetings on the first Thursday of the month to plan for the month’s inquiry activities and to prepare for our progress reporting to Council the following week. In total, the FSRC delivered six progress reports to Council and the public regarding our work schedule:

• February – FSRC Formation
• March – Steering and Planning
• April – Focus on Citizens
• May – Focus on Fire Service Ecosystem
• June – Focus on Local Government
• July – Focus on West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department
• August – FSRC on Report Preparation
• September – FSRC Report Delivered to Council

Additionally, committee members received detailed written “FSRC Friday Updates” keeping them informed about current news, activities, research, and fact-finding (25 reports in total). For their review and feedback regarding completeness and accuracy of the FSRC Final Report to Council, committee members received advanced drafts of the report.

Is the FSRC Community Survey valid? 

Yes, using a mix of structured and open-ended questions the survey documented public opinion which is, by definition, a measure of subjectivities. Understanding “why” people hold such opinions was not within the scope of this project. The committee chose non-probability sampling because we wanted to give every eligible resident an opportunity to complete a survey. With this method we were fully aware that the sample population (N=49) would be relatively small and self-selecting. However, by giving everyone a chance to complete a survey the results would be more democratic.  

Is the FSRC open to corrections regarding its research and fact-finding? 

Yes, by openly and publicly publishing our research and sources to FSRC Online, the committee has always welcomed factual, evidence-based corrections.  However, the committee does not entertain hearsay, rumors, or unsubstantiated opinions.         

Is the FSRC only focused on the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department?

No, the Fire Service Review Committee has reviewed a wide range of important public safety concerns and issues within the borough’s entire fire prevention and fire protection program, including ordinances, fire code, fire hydrants, budgeting practices, financial support, readiness reporting, Council oversight, and public safety education programming.

How did the FSRC formulate its recommendations to Council?

The Fire Service Review Committee’s recommendations were designed as practical remedies addressing substantive deficiencies identified in the borough’s fire prevention and fire protection program. The committee vetted and voted to approve each of the 36 recommendations.

Are the FSRC recommendations binding?

No, the Fire Service Review Committee recommendations are not binding. By majority vote, Council has the authority and discretion to accept, reject, or modify any or all of them.

Does the FSRC want to decertify the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department?

After careful consideration of its research and fact-finding, the Fire Service Review Committee is recommending the decertification of the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department.

Why does the FSRC recommend decertification instead of a fire department “corrective action” plan?

A preponderance of the evidence causes us to have very little faith and confidence that the WMVFD could meet the necessary fire service standards and expectations of a serious corrective action plan. A realistic assessment of the fire department’s management, staffing, finances, performance and competency issues–as well as its demonstrated lack of candor with Council and the community–convinces us that the WMVFD is simply incapable of providing sufficient fire prevention and fire protection services needed by our citizens.  Therefore, we reject the idea of a corrective action plan as futile.  

Can the FSRC decertify the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department?

No, the Fire Service Review Committee has no such power. Only the borough’s elected officials have the legal and legislative authority to act on this matter.

If the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department is decertified by Council, will the borough still have fire service coverage?

Yes.  If Council decertifies the WMVFD, local government officials will have to outsource its fire service coverage to fulfill its statutory public safety obligation to the citizens. In the short term, because of mutual aid agreements among volunteer fire departments the borough will not be without fire protection. However, the matter of appointing a permanent replacement fire service is beyond the scope of the Fire Service Review Committee. The Committee offers no such specific recommendation.

Does the FSRC want to outsource the borough’s fire service to the City of Beaver Falls?

This question is beyond the scope of the Fire Service Review Committee. The Committee offers no such specific recommendation.

Does the FSRC want to raise taxes to pay for a replacement fire service?

This question is beyond the scope of the Fire Service Review Committee. The committee offers no such specific recommendation.

From what sources did the FSRC obtain financial information regarding fire prevention and fire protection expenditures, including taxpayer support for the fire department?

The FSRC obtained financial information from a variety of publicly verifiable sources, including municipal budgets, municipal annual financial audits, municipal monthly financial reports, RTKL requests, Council meeting minutes, Fire & Police Committee reporting, WMVFD Year-End Reports, Office of State Fire Commissioner reporting, and Pa Auditor General VFRA compliance audits.

Is it true that members of the FSRC have “a vendetta” against the fire department and want to get rid of it?

At the outset, all FSRC members pledged not to let personal opinions about the fire service (or any other fire prevention and fire protection matter) interfere with our mission and guiding set of goals and objectives. As evident in our reporting, we use our research and fact-finding to inform recommendations for improving the future of West Mayfield’s fire service.   

What will happen at the Council meeting on September 12, 2024?

The Fire Service Review Committee has informed Council that it will formally submit its Final Report on September 12, along with a short presentation about the report and recommendations. Thereafter—whether at this or future meetings—it is Council’s prerogative to determine next steps, such as holding a town hall with citizens to discuss the committee’s findings regarding fire prevention and fire protection matters, deliberating over specific recommendations, and taking action on motions presented by members of Council.  

What happens to the FSRC after it submits its final report to Council?

After the Fire Service Review Committee fulfills its stated obligations, it will stand adjourned.