VIDEO: Georgetown Township leaders voted Monday night to add two new full-time firefighters to ensure 24/7 emergency medical services after Ottawa County ends its paramedic program. The decision creates round-the-clock staffing at Station Two, increasing full-time firefighters from four to 10 to serve nearly 55,000 residents.
“We decided that the fire department was able to provide an equivalent level of service for a similar cost,” said Kelly Kuiper, Georgetown Township clerk. The vote followed weeks of public debate about the best approach to maintain emergency services.
Some residents advocated for cheaper alternatives, including contracting with Life EMS. “We could use the E unit. I know myself, when I had an emergency a couple of years ago, the unit was there before Life EMS was here. But my understanding is that we can get a relatively good contract with Life EMS, which would be a lot more cost-efficient than putting in firehouses with 24/7 people,” one Georgetown Township resident said.
Other residents supported the expansion, prioritizing public safety over cost concerns. “I think it’s a huge step forward for public safety. My family’s had to call for help twice, and knowing firefighters will be there 24/7 gives us peace of mind,” another Georgetown Township resident said.
