Wayne Township begins discussions to merge fire department with Indianapolis

Wayne Township, Indiana – Wayne Township has started talking about combining their fire department with Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services and Indianapolis Fire Department.

According to a letter we received on Tuesday, one of the township’s trustees met with members of the Wayne Township Board, elected officials, IFD and IEMS leadership, and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to “gauge interests and gather input.”

A resolution to unite the departments is the first stage in the process. A board meeting in January is scheduled to unveil that.

Subsequently, a public hearing and a 30-day public comment period are required before the Township board can decide on the proposal.

The trustee would also need to ratify the resolution if it is approved by the board. A second round of public hearings and approvals will be held by the Indianapolis City-County Council after that.

The proposal will be referred to a committee for additional public review and comment before moving forward with a full council vote if accepted.

The resolution will move to Mayor Hogsett’s desk for signature if it is approved.

The trustee for Wayne Township stated that during the process, the board will place a high priority on open communication, cooperation, and openness with all parties involved.

The statement went on to say that they were committed to answering questions and concerns in a “thoughtful and comprehensive” manner, acknowledging that change can elicit them.

According to the letter, the township board is certain that the merger will increase “the overall effectiveness of our fire and EMS services” and that the safety and welfare of the inhabitants remain their top priorities.