Butler Township has chosen to end the Joint Fire Chief agreement with the City of Butler as their fire department is going in a new direction.
Butler City Fire Chief Chris Switala has been functioning as a joint chief since July of 2018 but a decision by the Township Commissioners Wednesday night means that his township duties will end in 30 days.
After many lengthy discussions, new Butler Township Volunteer Fire District officers have decided to offer a stipend of about $50 per person per shift based on experience and responsibilities. This new program began on February 1st and has already resulted in a lower average response time as well as more interest from recruits.
Kevin Smith will remain as the Chief of Butler Township Volunteer Fire District as he has been working in coordination with Switala. The township department will continue to honor all current mutual aid agreements including the one in place with Butler City Fire Department.
