VICTOR, N.Y. – A large crowd gathered at the Victor Town Board meeting to discuss the potential dissolution of the Fisher Fire District after a recent vote from the Fisher Fire District’s Board of Fire Commissioners.
The district, which covers 26 square miles including Eastview Mall and part of the Thruway, faces financial challenges, according to the Board.
“If it wasn’t for the Fishers Fire Department last August, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” said neighbor Kate Hoyt.
Many neighbors and firefighters shared stories similar to Hoyt’s of how the department saved their lives or those of loved ones.
“Several years ago. My father-in-law got ill and it was a snowy night. And the Fishers Fire Department was there in 3.5 minutes,” said neighbor Tim Hyland.
“The fire department has responded to my house, and my husband. It’s why he’s still alive today,” said Anne Smith, another neighbor.
“My taxes for Fishers Fire Department might be $500 a year. My life’s worth a lot more than that,” Hoyt added.
If the district dissolves, Victor’s Fire Department would take over fire and EMS services in Fisher’s zone. Residents and firefighters worry that increased distance and response time could endanger lives.
“In 2024, the Fishers Fire Department responded to more than 1,300 calls for accidents, medical emergencies, and reports of fire. We are on pace to exceed that number this year,” said David Sorrells, the secretary of IAFF Local 4907, which represents the Fisher Fire District. “I responded to thousands of calls during my career. I know that minutes matter.”
“On June 16, 2023, I presented with septic shock. A disease can typically kill in 12 hours,” said neighbor Jeff Hefler. “My blood pressure was 60 over 30. My blood oxygen was 80%. All life threatening. Fishers Fire Department showed up six minutes before the regular ambulance did and administered oxygen. ICU doctor Justin Weiss at Thompson Hospital indicated to me that he thought that early administration of oxygen probably saved my kidneys, maybe part of my brain function. My point is, response time matters,” Hefler said.
A public input meeting is scheduled for July 16, after which the Board of Commissioners will make their final decision.
If dissolved, the Fisher Fire District would have until the end of August to fully dissolve. The district has been ordered to stop responding to non-emergency EMS calls.
News10NBC reached out to the Fisher Fire Board of Commissioners and hopes to have a response soon.
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