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Township Committee

Township Committee Statement Regarding Mountain Lake Fire Company Incident

Dear Residents,

The Liberty Township Committee is writing to provide an important update regarding a recent investigation into the operation of Mountain Lake Fire Company (MLFC) vehicles.

On April 24, 2025, during a mutual aid response to assist Independence Township Fire Department with a wood pile fire off Alphano Road, a MLFC fire truck performed a high-speed pass of another emergency vehicle on a slight curve within a no-passing zone on Hope Road. Video footage revealed that two separate northbound vehicles were forced to aggressively exit the roadway to avoid a head-on collision. The video of this incident is linked below.

The Township Committee determined that the Fire Company vehicle was not operated with the "due regard for the safety of others" required by State Statute. The Committee’s concerns were further heightened by statements from the driver, who suggested at a meeting that emergency lighting permits a disregard for standard rules of the road provided no accident occurs. As the driver serves as the acting trainer for MLFC drivers, his comments—available below—point to a systemic training issue that the Township Committee must address.

As the entity that owns and insures these vehicles and firemen, the Township has taken the following actions to ensure public safety.

  • Driver Restriction: The individual involved is currently prohibited from operating all fire company vehicles for a period of five years.
  • Ordinance Reform: The Township Committee is currently updating the municipal code to address deficiencies and establish clear criteria for the safe operation of the MLFC. This will include the requirement that members undergo additional instruction on the laws governing emergency vehicle operation, and specialized driving training.

Our priority is for the safety of our residents and the traveling public. The Township fully recognizes the value and dedication of all emergency service volunteers. Holding members accountable will ensure that their traditionally well-respected reputation is maintained. The Township Committee remains confident that we can move forward collaboratively in the coming weeks to ensure the highest standards of safety for Liberty Township.

Sincerely,
Liberty Township Committee

 

Meeting Information

The regular Committee Meeting is held on the first Thursday of each month at 7pm, and the Workshop Meeting is held on the 4th Thursday of every month at 7pm, unless otherwise noted.

Minutes