A pair of fire districts in the town of Irondequoit have consolidated in efforts to better serve the community. After successfully serving their respective communities for nearly 200 years combined, the Ridge Culver Fire District and Laurelton Fire District have become the Irondequoit Fire District as of Monday, May 16, 2022. This first-ever consolidation of its kind involving any municipalities in New York State.
The Boards of Commissioners from the Ridge Culver and Laurelton fire districts officially voted to approve the resolution on May 5, 2022, thus creating the Irondequoit Fire District (IFD). The consolidation will improve delivery of fire protection services, reduce the duplication of resources and provides a stable tax rate for property owners in the district. IFD officially signed on after midnight on Monday, May 16, 2022 and officially celebrated its grand opening on Friday, May 20, 2022 at the Culver Station.
“This is the first time that two municipalities in the state of New York have consolidated – it’s a huge step forward and we are leading the way to the future,” said Irondequoit Fire Chief Steve Sessler. “By becoming IFD, we are ensuring that our residents, businesses and visitors have the highest quality of fire service available.”
As a result of the consolidation, the town or Irondequoit appoints the first-ever Board of Commissioners for the Irondequoit Fire District who are in their positions until the end of the year. Commissioners are volunteer positions and do not receive a salary or compensation. IFD Commissioners include Charles Ingersoll, IV, Mark Lipari, Richard T. Turner (Vice Chair), Timothy Warth (Chair), and Scott Zampatori. All have been previously elected or appointed.
The IFD Commissioners – along with former Ridge Culver Commissioners Michael Napoli and Robert Woltz and former Laurelton Commissioners Richard Faro, Timothy Shone and Richard Zwaga – were all instrumental in the consolidation efforts and have a wealth of knowledge about fire district operation and administrative functions.
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