A proposed merger of the Boardman Township and Canfield Fire Departments is no longer happening.

The merger was proposed back in August of 2023 due to long ambulance response times and a lack of manpower in both fire departments. The idea was to increase safety, reduce costs and open doors for additional funding.

However, the City of Canfield has voiced its opposition to the merger with City Council passing a resolution in March opposing the merger. However, Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree tells us he feels they acted without having relevant information.

"They were not involved with the most recent discussions on the merger so they might not have the most up-to-date information," Loree said.

This sentiment was echoed in an earlier statement from the Loree where he said Canfield City leaders did not participate in prior discussion, attend work sessions or participate in educations efforts regarding the merger.

"The sentiment expressed by the Council, encapsulated in the adage 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it,' overlooks the systemic challenges faced by the fire and EMS systems in Mahoning County," the statement reads.

As for what Boardman will do going forward, Loree tells 21 News the fire department will move forward with protecting the township as best as it can and a mailer will be sent out to Boardman Households in the coming days letting residents know about the current situation and how they can help.

Loree says he's going to push for a levy that would expand services for the fire department allowing for a fire crew and ambulance crew at all three stations.

As it stands, Boardman only has one station with an ambulance crew and all other ambulances are through LANES, a private ambulance company. 

Loree went on to say the fire department plans to host an open house sometime in June to show residents what operations are like now and why this expansion is needed. No specific date has been set for the open house yet.

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