Fire merger of Grapeview, Central Mason now complete

The voter-approved merger of Grapeview Fire District 3 with Central Mason Fire District 5 happened July 1.

The merger easily passed on May's ballot.

Both District 3's Chief Patti Graber and District 5's Fire & EMS Chief Jeff Snyder said at the time they were happy with the vote.

The main station on Grapeview Loop Road will have increased staff and will eliminate duplicate services, allowing more firefighters and paramedics to respond to calls, the chiefs said in May.

"Our new Central Mason team is excited for our enhanced service that will be provided to our citizens," Central Mason Fire & EMS Executive Secretary/PIO Norma Brock said in a statement.

"Central Mason is proud to welcome Assistant Chief Graeber and to announce the promotion of Assistant Chief Brandon Searles and Assistant Chief Justin Zipperer. With this merger Central Mason gained two commissioners, Commissioner Creighton and Commissioner Montgomery," Brock wrote.

Central Mason also gains six firefighter/EMTs and one volunteer, according to the release.

Commissioners from both districts supported the merger, which increase 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation, effective July 1.

In addition to the increased Grapeview station staffing, the station will have full-time trained administrative staff, cost reduction of the purchase of supplies and equipment in larger quantities, reduced overhead costs due to the consolidation of fire chief and administrative staff, improved training, lower costs for homeowner's insurance, a staff fire mechanic, and the potential for paramedics to be stationed at the Grapeview station, according to District 3 officials.