MIDWAY, Ga. () — After months of uncertainty, Midway has an operational fire department again.
Nearly six months after the Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council (GFSTC) suspended the department’s certification due to mold, staffing, paperwork, and equipment issues, encouraging developments have emerged.
The deadline for meeting state standards was July 31st, and according to GFSTC Executive Director Randy Toms, Midway met the requirements just two days before the deadline. Toms noted that the suspension served as a wake-up call for the city.
“I certainly didn’t want to suspend the department, but I think it was necessary to show them how big the situation was,” Toms said.
During the suspension, fire calls for the city were handled by the Liberty County Fire Department. Now, Midway Fire Chief Craig Reynolds states that the department is prepared to respond again.
“This is a positive step for all citizens of Midway. We are offering a necessary service that people rely on, and we are thrilled to be operational again. We aim to improve the ISO rating to benefit homeowners’ insurance in the area,” Chief Reynolds remarked.
Reynolds noted that the department currently employs three full-time firefighters and eight part-time firefighters. They have two fire trucks available, with a third undergoing maintenance.
Mayor Levern Clancy said the station is getting renovations, including living quarters for staff. The price tag is around $350,000.
Mayor Clancy informed News 3 that the funding comes from the city’s general fund. However, the council is considering establishing a fire fee to help finance these expenses. Repairs are slated to commence at the end of August.
It’s an improvement that city, county and state officials are proud of despite any contention between them.
“It did take time for city council to decide what option they were going to do. They chose its own fire department, because they want to provide the best service possible,” Reynolds said.
Mayor Clancy also shared his hope to sign a memorandum of understanding with the county, an agreement between the fire departments to help one another in emergencies.
