The Springfield Township fire department recognized a retired member and promoted another at the November 21 trustees meeting.
Fire Chief Barry Cousino presented Lieutenant Daniel Ball, who stepped down last month, with a proclamation, commending his service to the fire department and community over the past 21 years.
The lieutenant began working at Springfield in January 2001 and six years later was promoted to lieutenant.
He has served the department as a fire safety inspector, EMS instructor and live fire instructor.
“Lt. Ball has been involved in teaching numerous firefighters in firefighting tactics and has mentored and developed several firefighters over his career,” the chief said, adding, “Through his different roles and responsibilities, he has been instrumental in the protection of our community.”
In his retirement letter, the lieutenant thanked the department. “It has been a pleasure working for the township fire department. I have a great amount of gratitude and appreciation for all the members and administration. It has been an honor to work with such quality employees.”
With his retirement, the trustees approved Chief Cousino’s request to promote Christopher Young to lieutenant.
“He has had six years experience with us and also spent time at Maumee,” the chief said. “He is a very good employee, and we are very proud of what he has accomplished with our department.”
In related matters, the trustees approved the hiring of five part-time personnel. They are firefighter/paramedics Brianna Morgan, Heidi Riter and Chad Branum, and firefighter/ EMTs Dylan Turner and Colin Wedge.
“All five came highly recommended,” Chief Cousino said, adding that the hiring is pending a successful background check and physical.
The trustees also accepted resignations from firefighters Paul Nieberding and Gary Quinn.
The chief noted that both have been with the department for some time but were hired full time at another fire agency and can no longer contribute to Springfield due to time constraints.
In his letter, Mr. Quinn, who has been with the township for more than 21 years, noted, “my decision was not an easy one, but it is time to hand off my reins to a younger group.”
Both men wished the department well and expressed appreciation to “all the fine men and women in the department.”
September/October Fire Reports
Due to a cancelation of last month’s meeting, Chief Cousino presented fire department reports for September and October.
There were 389 calls for service in September in the areas served by the township which include the Village of Holland and Harding, Spencer, Springfield and Swanton townships as well as mutual aid calls for other neighboring jurisdictions.
The breakdown of calls was Springfield, 266; Holland, 46; Spencer, 25; Swanton, 21, and Harding, seven.
They also responded to Berkey, Richfield and Toledo, one apiece; Maumee and Sylvania, five each; Monclova, two, and Sylvania Township, nine In October, they responded to 399 calls, 284 of which were in Springfield. The remainder were Holland, 45; Swanton, 21; Spencer, 17; Harding, four. Mutual aid was given to Sylvania Township, 15; Monclova, four; Maumee, six, and Sylvania, three.
Over the last two months, the department conducted 20 inspections, including state, five, followed by annual, four; adoption/foster/ home and sprinkler, three apiece; re-inspections, two, and fire alarm, tent and special, one each.
In addition, five site plans were reviewed and approved for Taco Bell, 7030 Orchard Centre Drive, remodel; Clarios, 10300 Industrial Drive, sprinklers; Chick-fil-A, 6720 Airport Highway, remodel; Skecher’s, 1440 Spring Meadows Drive, sprinkler, and Grand Aire, 11777 West Airport Service Road, sprinkler.
Three structure fire investigations were conducted, two of which were ruled accidental. Those are 1305 South Berkey Southern Road, garage, $20,000, and 7345 Nightingale Drive, bedroom, $70,000. The third fire at 8322 Nebraska Avenue remains undetermined with damage estimated at $1.5 million.
Other Business
In other fire department business, the trustees:
•Heard from the chief that the 911 Regional Council of Governments continue to research alternative funding models. In addition, the RCOG technical advisory committee is looking into response procedures for mutual and automatic aid throughout the county.
•Learned that Fire Safety Services conducted flow tests and inspections of all self-contained breathing apparatus. Pump testing on fire apparatus also was performed.
•Heard from the chief that during fire safety month in October, the department held fire safety presentations for children at Christian Fellowship Church, Westside Montessori, Leap program and First Baptist Church.
•Learned that Lt. Kohler continues to install free smoke detectors as part of the American Red Cross grant.
“This month a total of four smoke detectors were installed within our fire jurisdiction,” Chief Cousino said.
In addition, the lieutenant conducted a fire extinguisher course for employees at Woodsage Corporation and Chief Butler held one at Spring Meadows Extended Care.
•Reviewed the current roster for the HERO program.
HERO, a joint venture with Sylvania Township, stands for Health, Education, Resource and Outreach. The program offers services to residents who are in need of assistance, empowering them to take charge of their health.
They recently closed two cases, one after the patient was able to function independently of help and another in which the resident was moved to a first floor apartment.
HERO members continue to assist other clients who have had falls or are in unsafe homes by installing grab bars, providing lock boxes or assessing the home for safety.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, December 5, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
