PIERCETON — Representatives from three Kosciusko County townships, as well as firefighters, Pierceton Town Council members and township advisory board members, recently convened to continue preliminary discussions on potentially establishing a fire territory.

The first discussion-based meeting, held on June 20, was set up by Pierceton Fire Chief Gordon Baker. Representatives from Washington, Monroe and Jackson Townships attended both the first and second meetings. The three townships are located on the southeastern side of Kosciusko County and include the towns of Pierceton and Sidney.

In the second meeting, representatives discussed other possibilities aside from establishing a fire territory, including part-time staffing at the townships’ fire stations. Discussion also focused on looking at critical times for having firefighters staff stations and how funding could be established.

“This is a problem nationwide,” said Baker on volunteerism for fire departments. “My biggest concern is not being able to provide the service this community needs due to lack of staff.”

A final decision as to whether the three townships should or should not establish a fire territory has not been made.

The group will meet again at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, to compile information on the area’s options to alleviate the lack of volunteerism and prepare a presentation to give to the public.