Here’s a little trivia for you—did you know that in 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed an annual Fire Prevention Week? Since that time, national observances have taken place each year making it the longest-running public health effort in our country. You can count on the fact that both during Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year our firefighters offer children, adults and teachers important and potentially life saving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.
For those curious, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9, in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871. Chief Cousino wants all to remember that mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape or a tragedy. Whether offered through our area schools or to the many adults living and working in our township, all are reminded to prepare and review home and business safety plans. There are resources to assist, too. Visit nfpa.org.
In our community for the past 22 years, the culmination of this important week includes an invitation to the public to attend the annual Fallen Firefighters as Lifetime Members Memorial. This year, we gathered inside Station No. 51 on Saturday, October 14, and were joined by Springfield Township Trustees Robert Bethel and Andy Glenn, Springfield Township Administrator Mike Hampton, Springfield School board member Sherri Koback, the Springfield High School JROTC Color Guard and program participants, and the Toledo Fighters Pipes and Drums. Ceremonies were presided over by Assistant Fire Chief David Moore.
Each year, prior to the laying of a wreath, the names of each Springfield Township firefighter listed on the memorial are read and additions are revealed to honor their lives, service and sacrifices. While solemn, it also is an incredible tribute—very important to every member of the entire department and his/her family. Because of inclement weather, the names on the plaque of this year’s honorees, Duane Stahl, who passed away October 31, 2022; Engineer Corey Griss, who passed away on November 26, 2022, and Deputy Chief Michael Melms, who passed away on December 17, 2022, will be revealed at a later date.
Join us in thanking each member of the Springfield Township Fire Department for their dedication and service to the safety of our community.
