Springfield Township is ordering a new fire truck, but it won’t be arriving anytime in the near future.
At the March 20 meeting, the trustees authorized the purchase of a fire engine from Sutphen Fire Apparatus at a cost not to exceed $800,000.
“We are in need of a new fire engine,” Chief Barry Cousino said, adding that the back-up and frontline units are aging.
Because the lead time to receive the engine is 36 to 42 months, the chief recommended the unit be placed on order now.
He reviewed the specifications for the truck, which will feature a custom chassis, and said it will fit in the bay doors at all township fire stations.
Chief Cousino noted there are sufficient funds to cover the truck’s purchase and reminded the trustees that the department has earmarked annually funds from the Village of Holland’s fire/EMS protection services contract for the purpose of purchasing equipment.
“Our residents see the benefit,” he said, adding that it enables them to purchase equipment without using levy funds.
“We have brought in almost $2 million from Holland,” the chief pointed out.
February Fire Report
There were 357 calls for service last month in the areas served by the township which include the Village of Holland and Harding, Spencer, Springfield and Swanton townships.
Of those, 258 were in Springfield Township, followed by Holland, 46; Spencer, 16; Swanton, seven, and Harding, four.
They provided mutual aid to Sylvania Township, 14; Sylvania, six; Maumee, three; Monclova Township, two, and Richfield Township, one.
The vast majority were EMS calls, 69 percent and 31 percent were fire.
Last month, the department conducted seven inspections, including state and final, two apiece and reinspections, fire alarm and remodel, one each.
In addition, six site plans were reviewed and approved for X Golf, 7141 Spring Meadows Drive West, remodel; Oracle Vision, 7111 Airport Highway, sprinkler; Stone Oak Country Club, 100 Stone Oak Boulevard, fire alarm; Kroger, 7059 Orchard Centre Drive, remodel; Chick-fil-A, 6720 Airport Highway, remodel, and ASB Sports Development, 11500 Tallwinds Drive, fire pump/sprinkler.
“It was a busy month with working fires,” Chief Cousino said and resulted in five investigations.
The most costly of the structure fires was at the Hidden Cedars apartment complex, 6201 Garden Road, with damages estimated at $4 million. The origin appears to be in a kitchen, and the fire remains under investigation.
A second fire, also still under investigation, occurred at 2081 Kellerston and appears to have originated in the basement of the home. Damage is estimated at $350,000.
A fire at 1355 South Mc-Cord Road appears to have begun in a bathroom, causing $3,000 in damages and was intentionally set.
Also determined to be an intentional fire occurred at 8301 Airport Highway with damages estimated at $3,000.
The fifth fire was at 324 South Harefoote. Believed to have begun in the kitchen, the fire was ruled electrical and caused damages of $50,000.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Approved the promotion of Lieutenant Drew Pierson to full-time paramedic/firefighter at an hourly salary of $31.02, effective with his April 4 shift.
He replaces Lt. David Bowen who resigned April 1 to become the fire chief for the City of Napoleon.
The trustees also approved the appointment to full time for Logan Grow to firefighter/paramedic, a Springfield High School graduate who began working part time for the department in 2019. His hourly salary of $28.82 takes effect March 29.
He will replace Brandon Rosebrock, who resigned to work as the fire captain for Lake Township.
•Heard from the fire chief that the department drone team met with members of Toledo Fire and Rescue Department special operations to provide information on establishing a drone program.
“We discussed joint training and resource sharing opportunities,” he added.
•Learned that firefighter Aiden Yoon held a CPR training course for 74 Springfield High School students.
“It was held over three days and included AED and first aid training as well,” Chief Cousino explained.
•Learned that five new hires recently underwent two-day orientation. “The new hires will work 12-hour shifts at each station where they will learn in detail how shifts operate on a daily bais,” he said.
The next trustees meeting will be 5 p.m., Monday, April 3, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. It also can be viewed live on the township’s website at springfieldtownship .net.
