Some extraordinary developments in Brocton and Portland are deserving of applause.
It appears the fire departments - one in the town and the other in the village - are working toward a merger. That plan is out of necessity due to a problem that is familiar to many area departments: it is tough to find and keep volunteers.
“At this point, the Brocton Fire Department has been assisting with manpower for mutual aid calls,” said village Trustee David Hazelton, who also is a volunteer firefighter. “There have been manpower issues for both departments, and Portland has had to cover for Brocton in the past as well. Both departments look to have a full merger within the year, so they’re starting the process and engaging attorneys, and will hopefully be one department eventually.”
The community stands to benefit.
