Fire Bosses Thank Russell

SPRING HILL - His honesty took them by surprise, but it was welcomed.

When Hernando County Commissioner Dave Russell overtly said last week Spring Hill Fire Rescue would be consolidated with the county if voters decide against independence, it was a satisfying moment for the fire district.

"Thank you, that helped us," said fire board chairman Charles Raborn. "A yes vote means you can have your own fire department. A no vote means you want a county fire department. It's cut and dry."

Russell's comments were discussed following a request from union vice president Scott Edmisten, who was seeking direction from the board on how to answer the public's inquiries about the upcoming ballot.

During a fire board meeting Wednesday, Edmisten said firefighters often are asked by residents about the referendum.

In November, Spring Hill residents will choose whether to ask the Legislature to create a bill to make their department an independent district. If they vote no, as Russell said, the county takes over.

"We definitely don't want to be saying something we shouldn't be saying," Edmisten said.

The fire board asked the district's attorney, Andrew Salzman, to come up with the proper talking guidelines for firefighters when they discuss the upcoming vote with the public.

"People are asking what's going on," Edmisten said after the meeting. "They're just generalized questions. They ask (the union), 'What are we allowed to do? What are we allowed to say?' No one wants to be involved in a political discussion during a call."

In other district news:

A 23-year veteran of the district was honored at the start of Wednesday's meeting.

An emotional Capt. Michael Carpenter accepted a plaque, as well as the applause of the 20 or so members in the audience. They gave him a standing ovation.

"It's very hard for me to do this because everyone I work for I love," he said.

Raborn thanked him for his support, particularly during the district's pursuit of a ladder truck two years ago.

"Me and you worked on that ladder truck and we got it down here," the chairman said. "We made it a reality."

Edmisten also said Carpenter played a role in installing a mechanic's bay behind the station along Bob Hartung Court.