Sometimes the most telling details are the ones that don’t materialize.

Take for example the proposed merger of three volunteer fire departments in Butler Township. The first of two public hearings to discuss the consolidation of Meridian, Lyndora and Greenwood Village departments took place Tuesday.

The chiefs of all three departments were in attendance. So were the township commissioners and the manager. Toby Wehr, chief at Meridian, moderated the discussion with a power point presentation and a question-and-answer session.

The only ones not in attendance were the residents of Butler Township. Fewer than a dozen individuals showed up, and only three of them had no affiliation to any of the departments.

The chiefs were prepared to explain in detail their proposal, answer questions and address any concerns that might be raised by the public. The attendance by all three chiefs was noteworthy, since two of them will have to relinquish their title — and the prestige that goes with it — when three departments become one. Their willingness to merge demonstrates their belief consolidation best serves interest of the people and the fire protection they receive.

Perhaps the lack of attendance is a good sign — an indication residents trust their fire officials to do what’s best for their protection. making optimum use of a limited and shrinking stockpile of resources.

And assuming residents are comfortable with merger talk, perhaps more consolidations of costly emergency services will follow. Such mergers are possible and desirable, considering the rising cost of improved emergency equipment and training that make firefighting forces more effective and responsive. It’s far better to have one department with 85 coordinated, trained members than to have three departments competing fior limited resources.

Nonetheless, a higher level of interest by the public probably is warranted. There’s an implied responsibility and expectation of the public to know a little more about fire safety than simply to know that they dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. Residents of a sprawling municipality should be able to anticipate the direction, estimated time and size of response, among other things, if they should need emergency service.

Wehr alluded to such concerns and explained that’s why the chiefs are hosting a second public meeting, which will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the municipal building. 290 S. Butler Road.

Judging from what’s been presented thus far, the consolidation is a good thing, perhaps even a template for more consolidations of essential municipal services. A lively discussion of the merits and potential hurdles will only strengthen that prospect.