By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A growing business has cost the Decatur Fire Department a full-time firefighter, although he will boost the on-call volunteer force.
Citing a crunch of hours, Nick Patton has submitted his resignation from the department to focus on his business, Patton Tree Trimming LLC.
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He became a full-time member of the department last August, after one year on probationary status.
Fire Chief Jeff Sheets told the city’s board of works and safety at its latest meeting that Patton asked to remain on the volunteer staff, filling the one opening on that force.
The board readily agreed and also gave Sheets a green light to begin the process to hire a new full-time firefighter.
In his resignation letter, Patton said his love for the job had not declined in the least, but “no amount of budgeting seemed to combat the rising cost of all basic essentials.”
So, he said, he began the side business of tree removal.
“The business took off quickly and was bigger than I could handle with both jobs,” he continued. “After several months of trying to come up with a solution of how to manage both I realized the only way was to choose one.
“Although I will miss working with all my friends at the department, I feel I have to step away and focus on building my business.”
He also noted the “valuable life life skills” he learned from other members of the department.
“It is my experience in my time here that the department has held an outstanding passion for the lives and safety of our community. I can definitely say that our leadership has left no stone unturned when it comes to preparations, education and professionalism.”
NEW PACT: The board of works approved a new fire coverage contract for Union Township.
The cost per year is $10,130.05.