You cannot put a price on the dedication by those who serve as volunteers with Fire Department and emergency response teams. But Silver Creek is changing that landscape just a bit.

Last month, the Village Board approved a contract for staffing services through Silver Creek Emergency Squad, Inc., and the Village of Silver Creek pertaining to Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Emergency Vehicle Drivers. The contract will be for one year with an option for renewal each year. Once signed by both parties, the contract will be on file.

While the charges are not expected to be exorbitant, the contract represents a sign of good faith and appreciation for drivers and EMTs who can often dedicate several hours transporting a patient to receive medical care.

Just how much these expenses will be for the village are not known since it is a new endeavor. So that is worth watching.

Village officials believe it is a good deal. Last year alone, the department responded to 360 emergency calls per day.

But this is the village that eliminated a paid police department due to increasing costs. There could be some hidden consequences — not now, but down the road — once funding has been offered for what was once volunteer work.