Feb. 25 will be an important night for the town of Hanover and its fire departments. On that evening, a public hearing will take place to discuss the advantages and drawbacks that could come with the consolidation of five fire departments into one district.

The Town of Hanover and representatives from the fire departments will receive input from Brad Pinsky, an attorney focused on Fire and Emergency Service agencies, and Noel Guttman, Chautauqua County Emergency Coordinator, regarding fire district consolidation. Legal requirements for any potential consolidation will likely be discussed, as well as financial impacts and other pertinent information.

Silver Creek, Hanover, Irving, Sunset Bay, and Forestville are the departments being looked at. “It’s open to the public. We’d like to hear what everybody has to say,” Town Supervisor Lou Pelletter said. “… I’m hoping that everybody shows up to give their opinion.”

North Lake Fire Department has been in existence since September when departments in Mayville, Hartfield and Dewittville approved the merger of operations. Overall, the process was quick. It was proposed in February, included a hearing in May and establishment within months.

Since then, there has been an uptick with interest and involvement. That is in line with what Mayville Trustee Mark Perry said once the new district began.

“It’s all about community and the area. Everybody wins on this. It’s going to be stronger. The response has been overwhelming,” he said.

Those same results may be in the works for the town of Hanover.