At the October 23 meeting, the Springfield Township trustees approved the purchase of turnout gear for the fire department.
Assistant Chief Dave Moore explained that the fire/EMS department implemented a replacement program several years ago, replacing a portion of the turnout gear each year to avoid a costly, departmentwide exchange all at once.
“I would like to purchase 12 sets,” he said. Purchased from Fire Safety Services, at a cost of $42,649, the gear has been budgeted for fiscal year 2024, the deputy chief added.
The trustees also authorized the fire department to dispose of surplus equipment that in no longer needed or is obsolete. Those items include 20 mobile radios, 12 sets of turnout gear, thermal imaging camera, stokes basket, reciprocating saw and drill, hydraulic rescue tool, electric fan, fire hoses, nozzles and fittings, and assorted helmets, gloves and boots.
Assistant Chief Moore also presented the department statistics for September.
There were 390 calls for service last month in the areas served by the township, which, in addition to Springfield, includes the Village of Holland and Harding, Spencer and Swanton townships.
Of those, 279 were in Springfield Township, followed by Holland, 57; Spencer, 23; Swanton, six, and Harding, four.
The department also provided mutual aid to Sylvania Township, eight; Maumee, six; Sylvania, four, and Monclova Township, three.
The department conducted 13 inspections, including five state; three annual; two reinspections and one each fire alarm, final/remodel and special.
Four site plans were reviewed for Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, 2151 North McCord Road, remodel; Old Navy, 1420 South Holland Sylvania Road, remodel; Furniture Row, 1240 East Mall Drive, fire alarm, and Game One, 11500 Tailwinds, sprinkler.
The department conducted two structure fire investigations at 6345 Brixton and 11740 Shaffer The Brixton fire began in a bedroom closet and was ruled incendiary with damages estimated at $25,000.
The fire on Shaffer began in a bedroom and is under investigation. Damage was set at $15,000.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Learned that the fire department placed memorial markers on the graves of deceased firefighters interred at the Springfield Township Cemetery.
“We are looking to extend them to other cemeteries in our region to remember those who have gone before us,” the assistant chief said.
•Received an update on renovations at Station 51. “Th floors of the upstairs training room and battalion chief’s office have been replaced,” he said, adding, that it was a much needed renovation.
•Heard that the department participated in several events in September. They continued to have personnel at every football game at Springfield High School in case of an emergency.
Crews were on hand to monitor the annual bonfire, held at SHS during spirit week prior to the Homecoming game. They also sent a unit to the band competition at the high school stadium.
•Learned that fire department personnel recently received training in forcible entry.
“This critical skill allows firefighters to gain access to buildings or vehicles in emergency situations,” Assistant Chief Moore said.
The course included a review of tools and techniques used to open windows, doors or other barriers when there is no other means of entry.
Firefighters also updated protocols for maintaining safety and efficiency during emergency responses. The review consisted of risk assessment, communication, equipment and tools, incident command, search and rescue, and mutual aid agreements.
The trustees next meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, November 13, in the township hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. ~Jane Maiolo
