Two firefighter/EMTs have joined the ranks of the Springfield Township Fire Department.
At the September 25 meeting, the trustees approved a recommendation by Fire Chief Barry Cousino to bring to full-time status firefighters Jacob Newcomer and Olivia Harrigian at an hourly pay rate of $26.58.
The chief noted there have been a number of departmental changes due to retirements and those who left the department. “There are a lot of new faces,” he said, noting that theses two have worked for the department on a part-time basis filling slots.
“They are both selfstarters and anxious to learn,” he added.
Firefighter/EMT Newcomer is from Monclova Fire Department and started part time with Springfield in 2020.
Firefighter/EMT Harrigian started at the township May 2022 and comes to Springfield from the Rossford Fire Department.
Both are currently enrolled in paramedic school. Mr. Newcomer’s first day of duty is October 9, and Ms. Harrigian begins the following day.
In addition to the two new firefighters, the chief received approval to elevate Brandon Klinshirn to relief lieutenant with a salary of $29.57 per hour when filling that role.
Chief Cousino reminded the trustees that “in an attempt to reduce overtime hours and establish a training ground for future officers, we established a list of candidates to serve in the capacity of relief lieutenant.”
The chief said Mr. Klinshirn has gone through a rigorous application and interview process. “He has also done an exceptional job for us. He is very enthusiastic, dependable and professional.”
Chief Cousino also presented the department statistics for August.
There were 404 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, 275 were in Springfield Township, followed by Holland, 60; Spencer, 24; Swanton, 14, and Harding, six.
Trustee Andy Glenn questioned the higher call volume in Holland.
“It certainly seems like a large jump,” the chief acknowledged. He believes some of those are due to multiple calls to the same senior community residence, and is working with the HERO program to serve those individuals.
“We will keep an eye on it and on mutual aid,” he added, pointing out the responses to aid outside agencies are rising, in part because of an inability to obtain qualified firefighter/ paramedics.
The department also provided mutual aid to Sylvania Township, eight; Sylvania, five; Maumee, six; Monclova Township, three; Toledo, two, and Richfield Township, one.
The department conducted 70 inspections, including 42 annual; 13 state; five adoption/ foster/home study; four fire alarm, and two apiece reinspections, final remodel and special.
There were no site plan reviews, but the department did investigate one fire. The vehicle fire at 9300 Hill Avenue was deemed suspicious and damage was set at $2,000.
Other Business
In other fire department business, the trustees:
•Heard from Chief Cousino that EMS billing collections are up from $600,497 in 2021-22 to $661,784 in 2022-23.
•Received an update on the Lucas County EMS policy board and medical committee meetings.
“There has been extensive discussion related to revisions to the regional ALS agreement. There also has been discussion related to the operational procedures as we move forward,” he said.
•Learned that Lieutenant Kohler conducted a fire extinguisher training course for 55 employees at Spring Meadows Extended Care facility. “Life over property is always emphasized,” Chief Cousino said.
•Heard that firefighters recently received extensive training in the use of extrication tools used to rescue trapped victims. Specialty tools included cutters, spreaders, rams, struts and airbags.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, October 9, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
