Butler's fire department has been recognized by the state Fire Commission for 100 percent of the department's 18 firefighters passing the firefighter I and II skills tests. These tests are based on national standards and only 21 of the state's more than 2,000 fire departments have reached 100 percent compliance on the firefighter I test. The firefighters are, from left: Capt. Pete Stewart, driver Chad Grieff, hoseman Jim Reeder, driver Scott Longdon, driver Don Crawford, driver Scott Marshall, driver Jim Kaufman, driver Don McCoy, state Fire Commissioner Ed Mann and Fire Chief Larry Christy.

Butler firefighters are among the top in the state, according to their test scores and the Pennsylvania Fire Commission.

All 21 firefighters have passed two separate skills and written tests qualifying the city department for Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification — both national standards tests.

State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann presented this certification to the firefighters Tuesday at the City Building, 140 W. North St. Mann said that of the 2,400 fire departments in the state, only 21 have had 100 percent of their firefighters pass the Firefighter I test.

Councilman Jim Kraus pointed out that the Butler Fire Department may be the only department in the state to have 100 percent of its firefighters pass the Firefighter II test.

Butler Chief Larry Christy said the firefighters studied on their own with special textbooks, as well as practicing skills such as inspections and learning alarm codes, for about 2½ months for each test.

Both the Firefighter I and Firefighter II tests were given by Ben Cypher, who oversees the Fire School at Butler County Community College in Butler Township. It was at the fire school that Butler firefighters were given their practical tests for certification.

Christy said the firefighters were interested in obtaining the higher certification, as it helps in qualifying for Federal and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Administration — FEMA and PEMA — grants.

"It moves us to the top of the food chain, so to speak," Christy said.

He also said the firefighters wanted to improve their training for the betterment of their jobs, as well as the Butler community.

Butler City Council also is still considering an agreement in which the city fire department would become first responders for the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center on New Castle Road in Butler Township. The VA would disband its on-campus fire department if an agreement can be reached.

Christy said he is unable to comment on the status of that agreement.

At Thursday's meeting, Butler City Council approved hiring at least one new part-time firefighter for the department.

Kraus, who serves as the fire department liaison, said that some have made a big deal over the city having a full-time, professional fire department.

"But at a time in which volunteer fire departments have declining enrollment, the city's department not only provides fire protection to Butler County's government offices, including the prison, and Butler Memorial Hospital, but also to the larger business district along the New Castle Road corridor, as well as other municipalities," he said.

Furthermore, Kraus added, the majority of these entities have failed to make contributions to help the city pay the $1.6 million annual fire department expenses.

"Both the county and the hospital, in particular have been asked, but have yet to make a donation to the department. I would hope that during this election year, candidates are asked about that, or if you know a hospital board member, you would ask about that," he said.

Kraus said his "soapbox" discussion was not meant to deter from the fire department's accomplishments, but to point out "how important this department is to the larger community."