Village Votes to Disband Volunteer Fire Department over Comp Claim

The Village of Prospect, N.Y., voted 86-46 Tuesday night to disband the local volunteer fire department in response to a 2008 firefighter's workers' compensation claim that officials are warning could bankrupt the village.The Utica Observer-Dispatch reported that, effective at 8 a.m. (EDT) Wednesday, fires would be handled primarily by the fire department in neighboring Barneveld, N.Y., with additional coverage from the Remsen Volunteer Fire Company in Remsen, N.Y."As of right now, the village owns all their assets," Prospect Mayor Fran Righi said of the vote. "As of 8 a.m., the tones ...