FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) For those keeping an eye on potential developments in Allen County, Commissioner Ron Turpin appeared on Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee to discuss the possibility of a state-regulated casino coming to the area and to give updates on countywide fire and EMS services. Turpin’s comments followed remarks last week from Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker, who said it was not a matter of if a casino would arrive in the region, but when.
During the interview, Turpin emphasized that the county’s position is exploratory rather than definitive. “I as one commissioner am aligned with my other two commissioners that it’s something we’re willing to explore, you know, if it is in the best interest of the people of Allen County,” he said. “It’s not a hard yes for me. It’s not a hard no. It is, let’s explore this and see what’s best.” He noted that his approach is guided by careful consideration for the community. “In my daily prayer time I ask for wisdom and discernment every day, and I have to look for 400,000 people and what is best for the 400,000 people that call Fort Wayne, Allen County home,” Turpin said.
Turpin urged patience and a methodical approach to the discussion, comparing the process to a football game. “If we use a football analogy, there’s 60 minutes in a football game. We’re only in the first two minutes,” he said. He acknowledged that legislation is still developing, with at least two bills already filed related to new or existing casino license transfers, and more potentially on the way. “There may not be a casino in Allen County. It may be somewhere else. I hear people all the time saying, ‘It’s going to be here’ or ‘It’s going to be there.’ Well, they know more than I do because I’ve not heard any of that,” he said, noting the speculation circulating in the community.
Turpin emphasized that public engagement is crucial to any decision. “One thing I’m not going to do is respond to stuff on social media because that’s a black hole that never ends. However, I’ll meet with anybody anywhere. I talked to someone last week who wants to bring a group of pastors together later this week or next week and talk about it,” he said. He encouraged residents to reach out and have conversations with officials to ensure all perspectives are considered.
Turning to countywide fire and EMS services, Turpin provided an update on efforts to consolidate the county’s multiple fire districts. He described the county as a large area of 660 square miles, with 550 outside the city of Fort Wayne, much of which was historically served by volunteer fire departments. “Volunteerism for the last 20 years has been declining. As a lot of our volunteer firefighters have aged out, it’s created kind of a crisis,” he said. Turpin explained that the county is exploring a phased approach to consolidation and plans to hire a chief of chief to oversee coordination between existing fire districts and ensure a smooth transition. “We’re going to take our time, we’re going to get it right,” he said. “Public safety is the most important job we have, keeping citizens safe so that EMS and fire services are there in their time of need.”
Turpin said a final decision on fire and EMS consolidation is not expected in the immediate future. “Let’s hire this chief of chief… then obviously you’ve got to interview and hire someone. They’re going to take their time to work with the other fire chiefs to come up with what makes sense,” he said, noting that the process could take several months, extending well into next year before any final steps are taken.
Throughout the interview, Turpin stressed careful planning and community input as guiding principles for both the potential casino and fire service consolidation. “Rather than getting heated or listening to rumors, let’s take our time. Let’s talk to folks. Let’s get it right,” he said. His comments highlight a cautious approach, prioritizing discernment and public engagement in making decisions that could have long-term impacts on Allen County residents.
