Springfield Township-Stryker Fire Department

The Springfield Township-Stryker Fire Department is requesting funding for NFPA approved turnout gear to replace sets that have become substandard due to use, on-site damage, or changing standards. We also wish to purchase SCBA units to add to our older units, along with additional cylinders to increase our reserve breathing air capacity. There are costs listed for upgrading our cylinder refill station and cascade systems, which benefit surrounding departments as well as our own. Hoses, nozzles, associated fittings and wrenches are listed to assure that our trucks remain fully equipped at all times. Enhancing our hydraulic rescue tools will allow greater flexibility in how we use this lifesaving extrication equipment. Monitoring devices such as new carbon monoxide detectors will allow us to serve and protect both the public and ourselves. Thermal imaging equipment will allow us to perform more efficient firefighting as well as performing searches for fallen personnel, fire victims, and accident victims. Hand tools, power saws, ventilation fans, flashlights, and similar equipment requests are necessary to raise our basic equipment supplies to acceptable levels. The fitness area of our request addresses the ability of our volunteers to perform tasks during an emergency with a minimum of injuries. While we require initial applicant physicals, we do not have a program for annual physical examinations, nor do we have exercise equipment or a program for health screening and fitness training. Health screenings and fitness training may reduce firefighter injuries or fatalities. Our request includes basic testing and screening, basic exercise equipment, and minor remodeling of the room that will hold the equipment.

The Springfield Township-Stryker Fire Department is located in a very agricultural area of rural northwest Ohio. The non-native influences of the fire district include federal and state highways, major Amtrak and freight train rails, and flight patterns for local airports, including Toledo Express and Detroit Metro. The agricultural environment and sparse population provides a challenge for fire and rescue responders, often requiring specialized services. With a limited population also comes a reduced level of local funding to provide these support services. We are publicly funded by voter-approved taxes levied on property owners in Springfield Township. The costs of the requested improvements are beyond our local financial ability. Hopefully, few fire districts are forced to operate with overused and damaged equipment such as we are. The upgrade in gear and equipment, coupled with increased fitness for our volunteers, will greatly enhance and improve personal performance while upgrading overall safety and reducing injuries.

The Springfield Township-Stryker Fire Department staffing is limited to our ability to find volunteers willing to commit for training, weekly meetings, and being on call 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Volunteer firefighters provide cost effective fire protection and emergency services to the citizens of our community. As an officer, I am committed to providing our firefighters with the best equipment, technology, and job safety enhancements as they face life threatening personal danger for the benefit of their neighbors. The citizens and community we protect will benefit directly from the grant funds.