BOARDMAN TWP., Ohio - Boardman Township officials plan to show residents Tuesday night what’s needed to improve manpower levels and ambulance service.

Township residents are invited to attend an open house at 6 p.m. June 11 at the main fire station at 7440 Market Street, across from the Southern Park Mall.

Fire Chief Mark Pitzer and Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree will present an overview of the Lifesaving EMS Initiative. The Initiative was created to address the local impact of the nationwide shortage of emergency medical services.

An exploratory committee was founded in 2018 to seek solutions for the township as it faces what some statewide officials call the "perfect storm."  EMTs are quitting in record numbers, staff turnover is near 40% and response times are poor. Funding of resources has not been a priority, according to township officials.

 "The average age of township residents is increasing, and EMS and 911 calls are substantially higher," says Boardman Fire Chief Mark Pitzer. "Private EMS services are closing or leaving the area. Both public and private services are struggling to cover more area with less ambulances and crews."

Boardman only has one station with an ambulance crew and all other ambulances are through Lanes, a private ambulance company.

Township Administrator Jason Loree has suggested a levy that would expand services for the fire department allowing for a fire crew and ambulance crew at all three stations.

A proposed merger with the Cardinal Joint Fire District didn’t happen after Canfield officials rejected the idea.

After Tuesday's presentation, a tour of the fire station will be offered.