Copenhagen region will have fire, emergency protection despite vote to disband fire department

LEWIS COUNTY- Copenhagen Fire Department has been disbanded and will officially cease its existence within the next month, but residents who need coverage will always have it.

That’s according to Lewis County Manager, Ryan Piche. He told WWNY-TV that arrangements with neighboring departments have been secured to make sure there is no lack of emergency response.

The village board voted this week 4-1 to dissolve the department.

Attorney Candace Randall reportedly addressed the reasons why village trustees chose that pathway. In short, she explained that the village and certain officials were subject to liability for the actions of their department and its volunteer members had they chosen to continue working with them.

Residents can force the issue to become a public vote, hence the 30-day lenience.

It’s reported that petitions would need signatures from 20% of village voters who participated in the last general election.