FCFD Responds to brush fire on Lucerne

CH411, E419, G412, G414 were dispatched to the 14000 block of Lucerne Road at 6:17pm Monday on the report of a brush fire that had gotten out of control.

Upon arrival a large pile of debris was found on fire just a few feet away from a standing corn field. The fire spread to the woodpile that was right next to it. Crews quickly stopped the fire from spreading to the corn field, knocking down embers that were traveling in that direction. Around 1300 gallons of water were used during suppression. No damage to structures or neighboring crops occurred.

Although the fire came in after the State of Ohio burn ban hours for the day, the fire contained materials and items that are not permitted to be open burned at any time. Tires, trash, and other items are not permitted, and are under laws from the Ohio EPA through the Ohio Revised Code.

Residents were advised of the proper burn laws in the State.

All FCFD units were back in quarters at 7:04pm.

Mulch fire on Sparta Road

CH411, CAPT415, E419, T417 were dispatched to the 10000 block of Sparta Road at 5:15pm Monday on the report of a commercial structure fire. Mount Vernon Fire Department was automatically dispatched mutual-aid, but later cancelled.

Upon arrival, several small spot fires were located in a large mulch pile on site at the business. The fires were extinguished by the crew of E419.

All FCFD units were back in quarters by 5:42pm

Painter road woods fire

G412 and T417 were dispatched to the 2300 block of Painter Road (Perry Twp) at 5:01am Friday morning on the report of a woods fire. Mutual-aid from Jefferson Township (Bellville) were also dispatched and responded with G121 and an ATV.

Upon arrival to the scene, roughly 2-3 acres of leaves, brush, and trees were on fire behind the residence. With limited access, firefighters worked with hand tools in addition to the fire apparatus for suppression.

The fire had been burning for several hours before being reported. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Thank you to the many neighbors this morning that came to the aid of the landowner and firefighters. Great information and assistance from them aided in the fire from getting any larger. Quick work by all saved any structures nearby from being damaged.

All FCFD crews were back in quarters by 8:30am.

FCFD visits career and hobby day

Firefighters visited the Fredericktown Elementary School on Thursday for their second annual Hobby and Career Fair. They are showing off some of the tools, gear, and equipment that we use on a regular basis and answering all sorts of questions. This is just one of the many ways that the Fredericktown Community Fire District is interacting and educating within the area.

Yearly our programs reach out to thousands of people of all ages and not just from our area, but those passing through or interested in learning more. Thank you to Lt. Rook, FF Leasure, FF Mast, and FF Thompson for spending the day with the kids!

FCFD replacement levy passes

We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to residents of the Fredericktown Community Fire District for voting in support to pass the replacement 1-mil levy that was on the November 7th ballot.  

“We are blessed to have the backing of the community in the many facets of the work that our firefighters do,” said FCFD Assistant Chief Jason Bostic.  “Our interaction with the community since the announcement of the levy has been very positive and the feedback from residents has been equally such.” 

The replacement levy is the first of its type that the fire district has went after since 2003 when it was originally voted in.  At that time the only change was in the Village of Chesterville leaving the fire district. 

“We know and understand that this election there were several issues on the ballot to be decided in addition to the current economic climate that weighed heavy on decision making,” said Assistant Chief Bostic.  “Our firefighters don’t take lightly their call to service or asking for support.  We will continue to be good stewards to make best use of the finances you have entrusted us with.”

Second Quarter Stats 2023

FCFD Replacement levy on ballot November 7

Residents of the Fire District will see a 1-mil fire protection replacement levy on the November 7 ballot that will replace a levy that was originally voted on in 2003.  At the January board meeting of the Fredericktown Community Fire District the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to seek this replacement levy.  

According to data from the Knox County Auditor’s Office the levy will generate an estimated $235,931 per year, up from the current $158,200.  This breaks down to an estimated increase of $12.24 for every $100,000 of property valuation, or to break it down further about 3-cents per day.  

“Our operational budget relies on the passage of the levies that exist for the fire district,” said FCFD Chief Scott Mast.  “The members of this community that we serve have supported us extremely well and we are grateful for all they have done so that we can provide these critical services.”

The replacement levy will generate roughly $77,731 additional for the fire district per year just by funding being based off current property valuations.

“Discussions at board meetings about the eventual need for this go back over the last five years,” said Chief Mast.  “A replacement levy essentially brings our funding back to a level prior to putting on daytime staffing and will allow us to focus additional on long term goals of the district.”  

While this levy was voted on in 2003, the only reason it went before district voters then was to reword and remove the Village of Chesterville at that time.  Realistically, the verbiage and milage from this levy date back to 1983.   

A significant amount has changed since the levy was voted on in 2003, financial crisis, two recessions, and a worldwide pandemic just to name the major items that have significantly affected the economy in one form or another.  Meanwhile the cost of operations across the board haven’t just increased, they have exploded. 

“Very few entities that are funded by property taxes can say that they have went this long without seeking a renewal or change to increase funding and that is a significant accomplishment,” said Assistant Chief Jason Bostic.  “We expect increases from time to time, but inflation and the cost of products and goods that are required in our line of work have had a tremendous financial impact.”

Expenses just aren’t on the rise, the call volume that the fire district handles has increased by 102-percent when this levy and rate was originally voted in.  Some equipment and gear that the district purchases have seen price increases of over 500-percent in the last two decades.  

“We can’t control the growth within the district, inflation, and cost of doing business,” said Assistant Chief Bostic.  “We have utilized grants and other methods to save our taxpayers well over a half million dollars during the same time of this levy we are discussing.  This has been diligent work on behalf of many with fiscal responsibility, leadership decisions, community support, and even creativity.”

The Fredericktown Community Fire District is a combination department of part-time and paid-per-call volunteers that provides fire and rescue services within our 118 square mile district.  We operate from two firehouses, one in Fredericktown and the other at the Pike Township House.  We have a total of nine apparatus within our fleet of vehicles.  The FCFD currently 

has 25 members with the majority possessing their Firefighter II certification.  In addition to firefighters, we have eight fire cadets that are currently in high school that provide support functions.  We have a diverse group of men and women that come from various backgrounds that fill the ranks of our department.

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District awarded grant for water rescue gear

The Fredericktown Community Fire District was notified that our grant submission to the Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation was selected for funding.  The grant totaling $9,992 for the purchase of water rescue gear was worked on by Lieutenant Haley Rook and Firefighter Bronson Mast.  

“The work put into the research on equipment and the grant by Lt. Rook and Firefighter Mast will have a positive impact now and into the future,” said Assistant Chief Bostic.  “Water rescue is nothing new for the FCFD, we’ve been doing this type of rescue work for decades.”

Funding from this grant will purchase six new ice water rescue suits, four swift water rescue suits, gloves, and storage bags to be utilized by the district.  

Surface water rescue, ice rescue, and swift water rescue have long been a part of the mission of the FCFD.  The funding from this grant will allow for modernization and replacement of some dated equipment that the fire district has.  When we look at the numbers over the years, this equipment fits the most common water operations that our district responds to.  

“This grant will allow us to update existing gear and add a newer type of gear of gear for the rescues we do.  This was the reason we applied for the grant,” said Lieutenant Rook.  “Having better sizes that will fit more of us will also help.”

Purchases like this are of significant impact financially and to the mission of the FCFD.  Utilization of grants at the Federal, State, and Local levels is something that the district does on a regular basis.

“Grant funding has been a way that we have made significant positive changes to the mission of the fire district with either no financial requirements or a minimal matching amount,” said Assistant Chief Jason Bostic.  “We are fortunate and thankful that the Operation Round Up Foundation chose to award us this grant and we will steward those finances and resources well.  While the district has benefitted, it is truly the community and those that we serve who will see the impact.”#

Lieutenant Charles Swank Memorial Golf Outing – June 08, 2024

The Fredericktown Firefighters Association has renamed our annual golf outing to the “Lieutenant Charles Swank Memorial Golf Outing,” and will hold the event on June 08, 2024 at Vernon View Golf Course in Mount Vernon.

Formerly known as the “FCFD Golf Classic,” we renamed the event in honor of our fallen brother who dedicated his life to serving others in the military and fire service. Charles was highly involved in his community and many other aspects.

Other philanthropy that our association supports are annually honoring our retired firefighters, our firefighter toy drive working in conjunction with the Fredericktown Area Interchurch and providing support of other local community events.

Registration: 7:00-7:45am
Tee Time: 8:00am Shotgun start
Format: 4 person scramble – Women’s and senior tees apply
Fee: $65.00 per player / $265.00 per team
Includes: 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch at the turn, post outing meal
Awards: First place team: $340, Last place team: $40, Proximity Holes: $10
Also available: Mulligans, Skirts, Hand Grenades, 50/50 raffle, Par 3 Challenge, Skee-ball challenge, Custom putter challenge.

Hole sponsorships are available for $100. Contact chief411@fredericktownfire.net

Honorary Firefighter Porter and FCFD Recognized

Last week we were invited to the annual luncheon of the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities that was held in Mount Vernon on March 8.  While we knew of the first award that was being presented, we were surprised and very honored with the second award.

Honorary Firefighter Brad Porter was presented with the “Individual Spotlight Award”, that recognizes a person with developmental disability that has overcome adversity to achieve or go beyond their goal.  They have the drive to be better, to be more independent, and to make a difference in their life and the lives of others.  

Brad was sworn in as an Honorary Firefighter with the Fredericktown Community Fire District on July 9, 2022. He regularly attends meetings, training, knows what’s happening, and is a part of the family.  Brad knows no stranger and has been an amazing ambassador for the FCFD as he makes his rounds through the village.  He has his own locker, helmet, fire coat, uniform, and always has a place with us.  When Brad isn’t at the firehouse, he works at Pioneer Food Services at the Mount Vernon Nazarene University where he has been since 2009.

The award ceremony wasn’t finished however, and we were taken back and honored to be presented with the “Local Hero” award.  This award recognizes those that promote healthy ideas, offer support and guidance and to create improvements in the lives of those with developmental disabilities.  The FCFD was recognized for our efforts and heart to have Honorary Firefighter Brad Porter as a part of our district and help him to accomplish a dream.  Accepting the award on behalf of the fire district was FCFD Fire Chief Scott Mast.