Fire Service Gap Sparks Concern in Jackson Township

Background and Context

The City of Auburn has recently addressed concerns raised by residents following a persistent gap in emergency services that remains unresolved. This issue centers around the lack of consistent emergency and fire service coverage for Jackson Township. Mayor Dave Clark issued an urgent public notice to residents of Jackson Township, highlighting the ongoing challenges with emergency response.

In June 2025, during an Auburn Common Council meeting, it was confirmed that the city would no longer provide contracted fire protection to Jackson Township after the agreement expired at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025. Despite this decision, Auburn continued to respond to calls in Jackson Township over the last 16 weeks due to delayed or non-response from the township's fire department.

Auburn Fire requested payment for their services from January to March 2026 as the primary fire and emergency response agency. However, the Jackson Township Trustee acknowledged the request but refused to pay for Auburn Fire’s services. During this time, Auburn Fire responded to multiple calls after Jackson Township Fire had not responded to dispatch for 8 minutes. In some cases, Auburn units were later told to disregard the call while en route.

Operational Challenges and Decision-Making

These situations have created an operational environment that is unsustainable for the city. Mayor Clark emphasized that while firefighters are committed to helping people, there must be clear responsibility and accountability for emergency services. The lack of reliable service has prompted discussions about long-term solutions to ensure residents receive help when they need it most.

Fire protection should not be viewed solely from a cost perspective, as there are other important factors to consider. Elected officials responsible for these services must ask themselves whether they can put a price on a life. For Mayor Clark, the answer is no.

At this point, the notice states that Auburn Fire will no longer respond to Jackson Township when calls result from no response from the township. Exceptions include first alarm structure fires, mass casualty incidents, large-scale emergencies, or situations where Jackson Township Fire is already committed to another call.

Long-Term Solutions and Community Engagement

If Jackson Township cannot provide adequate fire protection on its own, long-term solutions need to be seriously discussed instead of relying on temporary fixes. Possible options could include township mergers, county-created fire districts, or joining an existing fire territory. While these options may result in additional costs or tax increases, they would also provide long-term improvements in fire protection and emergency response.

For example, if Jackson Township joined a fire territory with the City of Auburn and Union Township, residents might see a tax increase tied directly to improved fire protection services. That increase would cover Jackson Township’s share of operating and capital expenses, including a permanent fully staffed fire station within the township. Auburn Fire Department would not financially benefit from that arrangement, as any additional funding would only cover the cost of expanded services.

Mayor Clark also pointed out the difference in Public Protection Classification ratings. Jackson Township’s current PPC rating is estimated to be in the high 7 or low 8 range, while Auburn currently maintains a low 3 rating and continues working toward a high 2 rating. Improved PPC ratings can often help homeowners and businesses lower insurance costs because of reduced fire risk.

Response from Jackson Township Fire Department

The Jackson Township Fire Department responded to the City of Auburn’s statement, explaining that the department has been working diligently to build a team of fire and EMS-trained members since the split on January 1. They highlighted the inaccessibility of fire academies and EMS schools as a challenge to recruitment.

The department operates on a volunteer basis, meaning most firefighters tend to be at their day jobs while emergencies occur during the day. They are working toward implementing their own medical training course for responders. The department also addressed the City of Auburn’s announcement, emphasizing that mutual aid is instrumental to ensuring the safety of the town.

They stated that a check was issued to the city along with a thank-you note for the assistance in times of staffing shortage. Concerns were also raised regarding members living outside the township, noting that those members are required to pull duty shifts from the station to help maintain coverage within the district.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Residents are encouraged to reach out to the Jackson Township Trustee, Audra Wilcox, at 260-925-2945, or contact the Jackson Township Advisory Board and attend township board meetings. Residents may also reach out to the DeKalb County Commissioners or the Indiana Public Access Counselor at www.in.gov/pac or by phone at 1-800-457-8283.

A formal notice regarding this matter will also be presented during the May 19 meetings of the Auburn Board of Public Works and Safety and the Auburn Common Council, where it will become part of the public record. The Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department remains committed to protecting the residents of Jackson Township and providing the best emergency services possible to their community.