Fire Department

The Columbia Township Fire Department has an operational strength of 38 members who work out of one fire station located at 25540 Royalton Road.

 
Department leadership currently consists of Fire Chief Gerald Peters, Assistant Chief Craig Heidinger, Captain Kevin Barnard, and Lieutenant James Gunter.

 
Currently, the Columbia Township Fire Department employs 29 Firefighter/Paramedics and 9 Firefighter/Basic EMT's. Many of which are in paramedic school or are soon to be finished and will become paramedics. That membership includes 6 full-time shift workers and the townships first full-time fire chief. Our current staffing is 3 members at the station 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the fire chief operating as a 4th person when at the station. 

The primary responsibility of station personnel is to respond to any Fire/EMS calls that occur, in a timely, safe, and professional manner. Each shift is also responsible for general maintenance and upkeep of the fire station and equipment. Detailed inventory and operations of a specific department vehicle daily. Shift training and physical fitness are also a part of their daily routine.

 
Many of our department members are cross trained in additional areas of discipline throughout the fire service. In addition to serving our community, we provide training in the following areas: CPR, First Aid, and Fire extinguishers for residents and businesses. We also assist the county with hazardous materials, bomb squad, dive rescue, technical rescue, and arson investigation. 

We currently run with two rescue squads, two fire engines, one tanker with pumping capabilities, and one grass fire truck. Last year, we responded to 928 calls for service and assisted our neighboring communities 45 times.

 
Several years ago, we started billing for our rescue calls when we transport a patient to the hospital. Most insurance providers include in their premiums the cost of ambulance transport. It is our policy that when a resident is billed for an ambulance transport, we accept only what the insurance pays and the resident is not billed for any remaining balances. We started billing in hopes of generating funds, without raising taxes, to continue serving the community with quicker response times. We strive to reach our goal of being able to give everyone a quick and efficient response, day or night and to make Columbia Township a safer community.

 

The Fireman's association raises money through fundraisers such as the and pancake breakfast that allow us to aide in some of the extra expenses and community activities pertaining to fire prevention and education. We also receive many generous donations from community organizations and individuals that help us reach our goals. 

Chief Peters and the members of Columbia Township Fire Department would like to thank you for your continued support today and throughout the year. Feel free to stop by and say hello and as always stay healthy and safe