While the high cost of fire protection often has been focused on the area’s only full-time department in Sharon, the economic crunch is being felt everywhere.

Whether full-time, part-time or volunteer, fire departments battle to maintain good service at a reasonable cost.

Earlier this week an editorial focused on funding problems at East End Volunteer Fire Department which serves several Mercer area municipalities.

For the past few years, Greenville has struggled with a minimum number of full-timers as a “distressed community” under state Act 47.

The latest smoke comes from Hartford Township which is seeking to work out a deal with Brookfield Township for fire services.

Hartford faces the same problems that many others in the Mercer County area are feeling more than ever — a drop in the number of volunteer firefighters. Hartford’s group has dropped to 11.

Hartford had approached Brookfield with an offer of $105,000 to purchase fire and emergency medical services through 2011. However, that offer was rejected by Brookfield trustees who said it wasn’t enough to cover the expense of the service.

Brookfield has assisted Hartford free in the past on fire calls and is paid for ambulance calls.

The best idea is the one offered by Brookfield Fire Chief Keith Barrett who suggested the townships form a fire district so taxes could be levied on an equal basis. Hartford trustee Randy Smith, however, felt that would probably mean a tax increase which residents wouldn’t approve.

Still, that is the best solution. Merger of services is something all neighboring communities should consider.

For example, even though their departments haven’t merged, the cities of Sharon and Farrell agreed to fight fires jointly. Reports are that the dual approach has worked out well for everyone. It provides a faster response to fire calls and greater number of firefighters in action.

Hartford should reconsider the Brookfield offer to form a fire district. While it may require a new fire levy for a tax increase, you get what you pay for. The jointure would serve both municipalities and should assure better fire service.

Hartford officials said they would continue to talk with other departments. During those talks Brookfield should be included to perhaps bring about a merger of several departments.

Communities can no longer stand alone as population drops and business and industry decline in this region. The term “Live United” is more than just the new motto of the United Way. It is a slogan every municipality needs to consider as well.

A fire district for Hartford and Brookfield — and maybe others — would be a good start.