Circleville Fire Department faces possible layoffs if levy fails

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The Circleville Fire Department says it could face layoffs if voters don’t approve a levy on next week’s ballot .

There are only three full-time fire departments in Pickaway County, and Circleville’s chief said if the measure fails, he’ll have to lay off seven firefighters — the equivalent of an entire shift — at a time when the city is growing.

Katie Hedges with Citizens for a Safer Circleville said many people don’t think about the importance of emergency services until they need them.

“Oftentimes, people don't think about services like fire services and police services, and, you know, it's an insurance policy and that's what it is, and I cannot fathom living in a community that doesn't have adequate safety services,” Hedges said.

She said the levy isn’t abou