>Village Council to Consider Permanent Closure of West Glen Avenue Firehouse
It is being rumored that Village Council members will soon debate permanent closure of the West Glen Avenue firehouse. The firehouse is currently staffed 24/7/365 by nine career firefighters (three per shift/tour of duty), who respond to fire and medical emergencies throughout the Village.
As previously reported on The Ridgewood Blog, Village Council members are scheduled to vote this Wednesday, January 13th, on an ordinance that would permit Village Manager Dr. Kenneth A. Gabbert to reduce the career firefighting force by up to nine career firefighters.
Several former and current members of the Village Council view continued operation of a full time career firefighting organization as a luxury Ridgewoodites can no longer afford. The most frequently asked question at Village Hall nowadays seems to be: “If the Borough of Paramus can survive with a completely volunteer fire department, why can’t Ridgewood?”
Tough economic times and the projected loss of significant economic aid from the State of NJ may force Council members to close up the West Glen Avenue fire station prior to this year’s municipal election (scheduled to take place in May).
