A wave of public concern swept through Monday night’s Victor Town Board meeting, as residents, firefighters, and community leaders rallied against the Fishers Fire District’s potential dissolution and reduction in emergency medical services.
The town board room was packed with speakers responding to the Fishers Fire District Board of Commissioners’ June 18 vote to suspend A- and B-level emergency medical calls and to schedule a public hearing on dissolving the district altogether. Supervisor Jack Marren clarified early in the meeting that while the Town Board is not responsible for the fire district’s dissolution, it would become responsible for ensuring fire protection if the district disbands.
Over a dozen speakers—including career firefighters, residents, and local business representatives—criticized the commissioners’ decision and warned of the potential consequences.
David Sorrells, secretary of the Fishers firefighters’ union Local 4907, said the district’s dedicated staffing was critical, citing more than 1,300 emergency calls in 2024. “We are on pace to exceed that number this year,” he said. “Any delay alters outcomes and has the potential to end in tragic consequences.”
Jeff Helfer, a local resident, credited the Fishers Fire Department’s rapid response with saving his life during a medical emergency. “They administered oxygen. They took me to the hospital,” Helfer said. “The early administration of oxygen probably saved my kidneys, saved my brain.”
Other residents echoed those concerns. School of Rock owner David Curry, speaking through a representative, cited worries for student safety. Val Sorrels of GROC Bike Patrol praised the department’s swift response to park emergencies. Tim Hyland pointed to potential increases in fire insurance costs, and Anne Smith credited Fishers responders with saving her husband’s life.
Multiple speakers urged town officials to pressure the fire district commissioners to reconsider. Assistant Chief Michael Koch Bell cautioned the board and residents to “be honest about what’s being lost,” adding that any replacement service would not match the department’s capabilities at a lower cost.
Supervisor Marren emphasized that the Town Board had no legal authority over the commissioners’ decision. “There are no votes beyond the Board of Fire Commissioners,” he said, outlining how the town would step in to ensure continued fire protection only after the district dissolves.
The Fishers Fire District has scheduled a public hearing for July 16 to gather comments on the proposed dissolution.
Routine matters proceed
Beyond the fire district controversy, the Town Board approved 27 resolutions covering personnel appointments, recreation programming, and infrastructure.
Highlights included:
- Creating and provisionally appointing Caitlin Bailey to a newly classified Special Events Coordinator position, following civil service approval.
- Approving more than a dozen Parks & Recreation instructional agreements, covering music, art, theater, and a puppet performance.
- Adopting a positive declaration for the town’s Street Connectivity and Access Plan, and a negative declaration for environmental review of improvements to Pump Station #19 near Eastview Mall.
- Accepting a Monroe County Water Authority easement for water service to a Brace Road property and updating letters of credit for development projects at Highline Park and PMD.
Officials also noted the state Department of Transportation’s decision to reduce the speed limit on Valentine Road between Hidden Brook Trail and Victor-Egypt Road from 55 to 50 mph.
The meeting adjourned without further public comment.
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