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2 communities, 2 fire departments propose 2 levies to solve 1 problem

Maumee and Lake Township fire departments are both struggling to balance a rise in calls and their volunteer staff.

MAUMEE, Ohio — The number of volunteer firefighters in Ohio dropped between 2018 to 2021, according to the State Fire Marshal's office.

That's why two local departments, Maumee and Lake Township, are hoping a levy will help them serve their communities better.

The two different fire departments from two different communities are facing the same problem. Too many calls coming in and not enough volunteer firefighters or EMT's going out.

Maumee has a 5.6-mill levy on the November ballot that would generate $2.9 million for the city specifically for fire division staffing, with the average monthly cost per $100K home value would be about $16.

Maumee Fire Division Chief Brandon Loboschefski said if approved by voters, Maumee would drop their volunteer model and move their fire and EMS to part-time/full-time.

"It's just not sustainable anymore. There's just too many job requirements, too many certification requirements," said Loboschefski.

"Right now we can only handle the first EMS run that comes in with our two people on duty that are part-time," said Lake Township Fire Chief Barrett Dorner. "Then it's a toss-up if anyone is able to respond from home."

Dorner said the volunteer model no longer works for those who are willing to volunteer and the growing demand for fire and EMS services.

Credit: Jon Monk
Chief Dorner says they receive up to 5 to 16 calls a day, on a nearly entirely volunteer staff

Lake Township's 4.2-mill fire levy would generate $1.2 million for the township, allowing Dorner to hire more full-time staff to have 24/7 fire coverage while then relying on volunteers for any following calls.

Dorner said per $100K home valuation, it would cost homeowners about $12.25 a month.

"We can't keep putting that on their shoulders and expect them to not get burnt out, or jeopardize their family life, or their full-time job," said Dorner.

The Maumee Fire Department will be hosting a public meeting on the levy at the main fire station on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

Editor's note: This story has been edited to correct details about the Lake Township levy.

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