ROSSFORD, Ohio — An improved fire department is in the works for the city of Rossford.
Rossford City Council voted unanimously Monday night to establish a full-time, standalone fire department that will maintain partnerships with neighboring communities and explore the potential for a joint district.
To help solve the Rossford Fire Department's staffing shortage, a special committee was formed to make a recommendation regarding the future of the department.
The standalone fire department would "work with our neighbors to partner for joint response zones, like automatic aid, and to be the leaders for the development with a long-term goal for regionalization," said council member Caroline Eckel, who is also a member of the formed committee.
The recommendation came as city officials continued working on a solution to the department's low staffing, which has caused concerns about affects on response times.
The city of Rossford initially proposed the shortage be solved with one of the three following solutions:
- Be standalone and hire 15 full-time firefighters
- Form a fire district with multiple neighboring communities
- Contract with a neighboring community, like Perrysburg Township
Brenna Reynolds, the Rossford City Council member who proposed forming the committee comprised of three council members, three community members and three RFD members, said it was crucial in securing the department's future.
"The committee's recommendation represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to enhancing fire and emergency services in Rossford," Reynolds' statement says. "By establishing a standalone full-time fire department, we address immediate staffing needs through proper classification, compensation and benefits, while setting the stage for future collaboration and improved services for our residents. This is a fiscally responsible approach, ensuring efficient use of resources and long-term savings."
RFD has also gone through recent leadership change. Fire Chief Josh Drouard retired earlier this year and the department is now overseen by Andrew Vascik, the interim chief.
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