Seneca fire department starts Active911 trial; mayor proposes mileage, lunch reimbursements for volunteers

Seneca’s fire department enrolled in a free trial of the Active911 mobile app, the fire chief told the City Council at its Jan. 9 meeting, and the municipal record shows the app’s cost as $15.75 per phone per year.

"He signed up the fire department for a free trial for Active 911 a mobile app that will send call information to all members at the cost of 15.75 per phone per year," the meeting record states, attributed to Fire Chief Mike Allen.

Mayor Brad Smith said the town should recognize volunteers’ time and suggested reimbursing volunteers for mileage and lunches "as a thank you." Councilor Matt Wenick additionally suggested exploring ways to support EMT transport and named AirLink or Life Flight as possible resources to provide to EMTs.

Council did not adopt a formal reimbursement policy during the session; the discussion was recorded as part of the open-floor business. Staff were asked to explore options and costs for volunteer reimbursements and for any arrangements to ensure EMT transport availability.