Bessemer city, township plan to merge fire departments

BESSEMER — Members of the Bessemer and Bessemer Township volunteer fire departments have long shared at least some members and held joint training sessions.

Now, they may also share a fire station.

At Monday’s city of Bessemer and Bessemer Township Fire Department Advisory Committee meeting, members said it’s time to merge the two departments.

“It has to be done,” said committee member Linda Nelson. “Both fire departments are saying this is what has to happen.”

Rising costs and aging equipment are two primary reasons for the proposed merger.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends...