Springfield Township’s fire department elevated a part-time firefighter to fulltime status.
At the February 22 meeting, the township trustees approved the move to full time for Jacob Przeniczny, effective with his first full shift on February 28.
Fire Chief Barry Cousino said a vacancy in the department arose, and the firefighter fits the qualification of a firefighter/EMT.
The chief noted that Firefighter Przeniczny has been with the department since September 2019 and “is in good standing.”
He will be paid $27.19 per hour to start per the collective bargaining agreement, the chief added.
In a related matter, the trustees approved a reimbursement of $10,000 to Firefighter Przeniczny for completion of his post-secondary education.
“We require employees to prepay for the coursework and prove successful completion of the program before submitting for reimbursement,” Chief Cousino explained.
January Fire Report
There were 440 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, 295 were EMS. Other calls included 62 public service assistance; 18 wrong location; 16 canceled en route and four structure fires.
Last month, the department conducted 16 inspections, including re-inspections, six; annual and new business, three each; state, two, and final and fire alarm, one apiece.
In addition, 10 site plans were reviewed and approved for Value City Furniture, 1301 East Mall Drive, sprinkler and remodel; Med1Care, 1225 North Corporate Drive, remodel; Springfield Commons, 1300 South Holland Sylvania Road, fire alarm; Holland Inn and Suites, 1214 Corporate Drive, fire alarm; Midwest Vascular, 7100 Orchard Centre Drive, fire alarm; Ralphies, 6609 Airport Highway, fire alarm; Quality Care Products, 6920 Hall Street, generator; Skecher’s, 1440 Spring Meadows Drive, new business, and Brookwood Landscaping, 10300 Geiser Road, new construction.
One investigation was conducted for a structure fire at 1839 North McCord Road. The fire originated in the kitchen, and damage was estimated at $30,000. The cause remains under investigation.
Other Business
In other fire department business, the trustees:
•Agreed to order an ambulance for the fire department at a cost of $250,080 from Burgess Ambulance Sales.
Chief Cousino had planned to order the unit in 2023, but due to delays in delivery and rising costs, recommended the ambulance be ordered this year.
“I’d like to get on the [order] list,” he said, adding that at present, the township is looking at a wait time of 16 months. “I’ve been told it can take up to two years for delivery.”
He noted by ordering now, it also locks in the price.
Trustee Tom Anderson Jr. believes the decision is wise, pointing out that with inflation, “we could be looking at another $20,000 or $30,000 if we wait.”
•Accepted with regret the retirement of Jodi Livecchi from full-time duty, effective April 4.
Ms. Livecchi started as a volunteer 25 years ago. “I never expected to change careers in 1996 when I answered a postcard looking for people to help out our community in the fire service, but after just a couple of months, I was hooked,” she said.
She commended her coworkers noting “I was blessed throughout my career with many caring, professional, determined individuals who mentored me and worked beside me every day.”
Chief Cousino said that while Ms. Livecchi is relinquishing full-time duty, she will remain with the department on a contingent basis, continuing to serve the township in the HERO program.
•Renewed a three-year contract with ProCare Services through Stryker for maintenance of lifepaks, power cots and power loaders at a cost of $59,272.
•Authorized the sale of surplus equipment that is no longer needed or obsolete.
The items include a 1993 Ford utility truck, 10 sets of turnout gear, six sets of fire boots and helmets, fire hose fittings, six choking mannequin trainers, phones, flashlights, wash tub sink, rotary saw, wooden step and attic ladder, treadmill, radios and parts, two cold weather ice rescue suits and prying tools.
•Learned that the fire department conducted a school bus extrication drill virtually using the Boomea system.
“The presentation reviewed the proper stabilization techniques of the apparatus, demonstration of the removal of riders using our extrication equipment as well as treatment and care,” the chief explained.
•Heard that Assistant Chief Dave Moore attended a unified command at Toledo Express Airport recently. The bi-monthly meetings provide first responders with information should they face a major incident at the airport.
•Learned that the assistant chief and Battalion Chief Jon Ziehr met with representatives from the University of Toledo EMS education program.
“UT is re-establishing a paramedicine program, and our agencies met to establish guidelines and expectations for students who will be performing clinical rotations with the township in the near future,” Chief Cousino said.
•Heard from the fire chief that the department continues to work with businesses that currently have a KNOX box system to upgrade their lock to the new eCore locking mechanism.
The upgrade maximizes security, prevents forced entry and reduces the potential for unauthorized access.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, March 7, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
