CUMBERLAND CO.--- The Deerfield Twp. Committee, voted unanimously, on Wednesday night, to move forward with an ordinance that would close the Carmel Volunteer Fire Company.

The Carmel Vol. Fire Co., which has been covering the southern half of Deerfield Twp. for close to 80 years, has been shut down since the middle of July -- the result of a July 15th Township resolution -- and its 23 firefighter members locked out.

On Wednesday night, the five member Township Committee voted unanimously, to pass, on 1st reading, an ordinance that would permanently close the Carmel Company. All fire coverage would be handled by the Rosenhyne Vol. Fire Co., the townships other firehouse.

Deerfield Twp. Committee Member, John Stanzione, says the move is a strictly financial one, and would save the township approximately $30,000 per year, "....its time to consolidate, have one fire company, centrally located."

Many of the volunteer firefighters from the Carmel Fire Co., claim that the move to shut down their firehouse, involves personal vendetta's and hard feelings that go back some time.

The Deerfield Twp. Committee will hold a 2nd and final vote on the ordinance, at their next scheduled meeting on December 3rd.