At the December 19 meeting, the Springfield Township trustees authorized the purchase of several pieces of equipment for the fire department.
Fire Chief Barry Cousino received approval to buy extrication equipment from Howell Rescue Systems for $44,105.
The new battery-powered hydraulic tools will replace older pieces currently used by the department.
The fire chief said with changes in how cars are built, the old equipment “can’t cut it,” adding the new equipment, by Genesis Rescue Systems, is compliant with the National Fire Protection Association.
Items being ordered include a spreader, cutter, ram with accessory kit, three-bay charger, strut kit, two lifting devices and accessories.
He also noted there is no training fee charge.
In addition, the trustees approved the chief’s request to purchase 10 sets of turnout gear from Fire Safety Services for $32,743.
Chief Cousino presented the department’s November run report.
There were 419 calls for help in the areas served by the township, which include Springfield, Holland, Harding, Spencer and Swanton townships.
Of the calls, Springfield had the most, 301. They were followed by Holland, 46; Swanton Township, 19; Spencer Township, 15, and Harding, six.
The department also responded to mutual/auto aid calls for Sylvania Township, 12; Sylvania, five; Monclova Township and Toledo, four apiece; Swanton, three; Maumee, two, and Richfield Township and Fayette, one each.
They conducted 16 inspections last month, including, reinspections, six; state and final, three each; sprinkler, two, and adoption/home study and fire alarm, one apiece.
In addition, four site plans were approved for Red Roof Inn, 1214 Corporate Drive, structural; Springfield Local Schools, 6924 Spring Valley Drive, fire alarm; Old Navy, 1420 South Holland Sylvania Road; alarm, and Ironwood Center, 7130 Spring Meadows West Drive, interior alteration.
There were two structure fire investigations, at 6845 Angola Road and 815 Rall Road. The former, began in a store front, was accidental with damages estimated at $150,000, and the latter, a bedroom fire was undetermined and resulted in $11,000 in damage.
The chief encourages residents to be cautious with colder weather and make sure heating appliances such as space heaters are functioning properly and turned off when leaving the home.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Accepted the resignation as of December 7 of firefighter/ EMT Christopher Harrison, who is now working full time for the Toledo Fire department. “He is no longer able to work shifts for us,” the fire chief said.
•Heard from Chief Cousino that the township leadership team continues to meet to discuss ways to control health care costs. In a related matter, he commended a presentation by Savage Associates on health insurance information.
Held over a virtual platform, the chief said “the presentation was extremely beneficial since it allowed more personnel to attend. I thought it was phenomenal.”
•Learned that Maumee Valley Church provided dinner for all on-duty fire crews.
~Jane Maiolo
