Perry firefighters applaud merger vote

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A vote by the Indianapolis City-County Council to move toward consolidating township fire departments with the IFD drew a standing ovation Monday night.

Some of the cheers came from members of the Perry Township Fire Department. Private Mark Roberts and others from the Perry department said they're eager for the advantages that will come from joining the Indianapolis Fire Department.

"We have a huge stretch of 465 and we have no hazmat team in Perry Township. We have the White River and we don’t have a boat," said Roberts. "It's gonna share the resources, spread the load, eliminate the redundancy. It's common sense."

The merger takes effect August 1.

The Washington Township Fire Department and Warren Township are already part of IFD.

Ryan Vaughn of the City-County Council said, "I believe very firmly that this is the right thing to do for the citizens of Marion County."

Before the vote, several council members said they wished the Perry-to-IFD proposal would have done more to support minority and women-owned businesses. They also wanted more of an assurance it would do the same for promotions within the department.

IFD Chief Ruth Morrison already anticipates advancement opportunities.

"With this merger, that opens up five battalion chief spots in Perry Township, so I won't be a rover anymore. I will get a permanent home. And so, it's just a great thing that happened -- besides all the other benefits that come along with it," said Morrison.