Membership in a multi-municipal emergency medical services commission continues to grow.

Tidioute Borough, Deerfield, Triumph, Limestone and Eldred townships as well as Howe Twp. in Forest County came on board at the April meeting.

“That makes the total 16 municipalities,” Council of Governments chair Paul Pascuzzi told the body on Wednesday. “One of the things that was talked about was making sure that we thank our volunteers.”

An event set for later this month — an EMS Recognition Dinner — is aimed at doing just that.

Pascuzzi said the event will bring the top first responders from each department around the county together to be recognized for their service.

Rich Barrett with Warren County Fire Services said that several responders will be recognized with special plaques.

“I think it’ll just be a nice afternoon,” Barrett said.

“This is the first event of its kind in Warren County,” Pascuzzi said. “Hopefully, it’s going to be an annual event.”

STAFFING CONCERN RAISED

Barrett said he is “starting to hear the fire departments are possibly going to be going out of service” during the day due to manpower concerns.

He asked the elected officials to talk to their volunteer department to see what they can do to help.

“When fire departments go … not available in the daytime, it really stresses the system out thin,” Barrett said.

“I think the buck stops with the townships and boroughs to try and help and see what they can do,” Pascuzzi said.