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Training and preparedness

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Web Administrator

Training and preparedness are essential for a safe and competent response to an emergency incident. We are dedicated to providing our personnel with training opportunities to prepare them for any situation they may encounter.

Our department conducts department wide training a minimum of two evenings per month. There are also other additional trainings that may take place at any time.

There are three levels of certification in the fire service.

(1) Volunteer Firefighter – This is the minimum level of certification required to provide firefighting services in the State of Ohio and requires 36 hours of initial training.

(2) Firefighter I – This is an intermediate level of certification that requires 160 hours of initial training.

(3) Firefighter II – This is the highest level of certification and is the required certification for career firefighters. This level requires 240 hours of initial training.

We have 6 personnel trained at the Volunteer Firefighter level, with three of those currently enrolled in a Firefighter I certification class. There are 4 personnel trained at the Firefighter I level and 15 trained at the Firefighter II level.

We take pride in having the majority of our personnel being certified at the career firefighter level. Additionally, several of our members have careers as professional firefighters. However, all certification levels and careers are welcomed at our department and everyone’s membership is appreciated.

Training requirements do not stop after the initial certification. The State of Ohio requires specific numbers of hours of continuing education in order to maintain certification.

We are always seeking individuals that have a passion for serving their community. There are multiple roles and capacities that a person can fulfill as we realize that not everyone is comfortable operating inside of a burning building. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or if you are interested in becoming a member.

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What does the fire department do for the community?

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Web Administrator

What does the FCFD do for our community? Do we just fight fires? In general, we respond to basically any incident that is not specifically designated for law enforcement or emergency medical services. However, we do respond for assistance to those entities when requested.

The following list provides some examples of the types of services we have offered and types of incidents we have responded to throughout the years.

A) Fires – structure, grass, vehicle, chimney, trash
B) Vehicle accidents – victim extrication, traffic control for law
enforcement, EMS assistance
C) Odor investigations
D) Detector activations – smoke, carbon monoxide, general fire
alarms
E) Fire inspections
F) Fire prevention – schools, preschools, civic organizations
G) Smoke Detector Drive
H) Fan Drive
I) Land searches for missing people
J) Water removal from flooded basements
K) Hazardous material responses
L) Downed power lines
M) Gasoline leaks
N) Animal incidents – cat in tree, dog in river, deer trapped on ice,
dog trapped on ice, cow trapped on ice, rescue animals from a
collapsed barn
O) Water incidents – victim recovery, stranded motorists, vehicle
recovery, evidence recovery for law enforcement
P) Explosives incidents
Q) Propane leaks – in homes, tanks
R) Downed trees in roadway removal
S) Lightning strikes on a residence
T) Street cleaning after the street fair
U) Natural gas leaks – in homes, underground
V) Clean up of Knox Lake
W) Firefighters Association activities – toy drive, scholarship
X) Provide mutual aid assistance to other departments
Y) Detector battery replacements
Z) And yes, we have plunged a clogged toilet.

In summary, we are here to assist our community in any way in which we can.

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FD Issues clarification

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Web Administrator

Fire District clarifies KnoxPages article

The Fredericktown Community Fire District is issuing a clarification regarding an October 13 article from online media source Knoxpages.com. Their article regarding township fire contracts also mentions millage from around the county, specifically Fredericktown, which they stated has an “increase on the Nov 3 ballot.”

We would like to clarify that there is no question on the ballot from the Fredericktown Community Fire District asking for an increase in millage for fire protection. The district is however seeking a renewal of our 1mill levy which originated in the year 2001 and is voted on every five-years.  

“What we have on the ballot is a renewal only, which would keep our funding the same,” said FCFD Public Information Officer Jason Bostic. “We are very thankful for the continued support of our residents, and strive to maintain that. We are not asking more of those within our fire district and our levy is not new taxes.”

Fire protection services from the FCFD are funded through (2) two, separate one mill levies which date back to 2001 and 2004. The only reason changes were made at that time was due to the Village of Chesterville dropping from our protection area. Otherwise there have been no changes to levies or verbiage for several decades.

Morris Township, an entity which the FCFD provides fire protection for was also mentioned numerous times in the article. Our fire district provides fire protection for those residing in Morris “A”, or the greater part of the northern half of the township. Again, we would reiterate that the FCFD is not requesting any changes to funding levels. Morris “A” has been a part of the FCFD since the creation of the fire district in 1974. They are represented on our fire board by township trustee Dick Kershner.

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FCFD asking to RENEW existing levy.

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Web Administrator

The Fredericktown Community Fire District will ask voters this November 3, to approve and support the renewal to an existing 1-mil levy fire protection levy for a period of five years. The levy would commence in 2021, and first due in calendar year 2022.

We would like to emphasize that this is a renewal, not new taxes or changes taking place with funding for the FCFD. This levy directly funds the operations of the FCFD on a yearly basis and is responsible for providing the fire protection services to the residents of Berlin Township, Middlebury Township, Morris Township (A), Pike Township, Wayne Township, and the Village of Fredericktown. The last change to funding for the fire district was roughly two decades ago, with the levy verbiage dating back even further.

“The levy that our residents are seeing in November directly impacts our ability to operate and provide their fire protection,” said FCFD Public Information Officer Jason Bostic. “Our levy funding determines our ability to decide what equipment we can purchase and the level of services that we are able to offer to the community.”

While the levy is no different in valuation or the verbiage for a considerably long time, the improved services that the district provides have drastically changed. Over the course of the last 10-15 years we have made significant changes to safety equipment which we utilize, upgrades fire apparatus, increased the level of training, increased community outreach, and so much more. Other notable changes include the construction of a second firehouse In Pike Township, the operation of a fire cadet program that works as a feeder program to bring in new firefighters, and the addition of daytime staffing Monday through Friday.

“It takes a lot of forecasting and looking to the future in order to balance out the projects that we have here at the FCFD. We aren’t just looking at next quarter, we are looking years down the road,” said Bostic. “Apparatus replacements, fire gear replacements, and other pieces of equipment all have a life cycle that we strive to maintain and get the best use out of.”

In addition to the levy funding, yearly the department seeks grant opportunities at the Local, State, and Federal levels that allows them to fund equipment purchases and pay for the cost of training. Over the course of the last 15 years, the FCFD has been awarded at least one, sometimes as many as three grants a year to handle the costs of projects that further the mission of the district. Major upgrades to hydraulic rescue tools, lifting bags, stabilization struts, radio equipment, laptops, training props, SCBA equipment, protective gear, and hand tools are just some of the physical items that grants have made possible.

In 2019 a significant local grant allowed us to upgrade and expand the capabilities of our dive rescue team at the FCFD. As one of two dive teams in the county and having a significant amount of water in our own fire district, these new capabilities provide a faster and safer means for our divers to operate. Grants don’t just help us, but the improvements made through our grant work also help our neighboring departments wherever we are called to serve through mutual-aid.

Careful expenditures combined with solid planning from the Chief down has been a key over the course of time. Within the FCFD we have firefighters with a wide variety of background and expertise that come to the table when we look at purchases and improvements.

Ultimately, beyond all the accomplishments that the fire district has attained over the years, it is the community support that drives our mission. Our citizens, those we serve have graciously supported and trusted us at the voting booth and beyond. That community support is something the firefighters don’t take lightly. Although a paid-per-call department, they hold professionalism and customer service as a key part of their operation.

Firefighters for the district recognize that regardless of the situation, when people make contact with us, that we need to be the problem solvers and often fill gaps from other services. Things such as clearing roadways from storms, pumping basements from flooding, providing answers and someone to point them in the right direction for answers.

The FCFD combination fire department utilizing daytime staffing Monday-Friday along with a dedicated group of paid-per-call firefighters to accomplish our mission. We protect the residents of 118-square miles of northwest Knox County and those that pass through on a daily basis. We operate two stations with 28 current members with over 50% of our members being certified at the 240-hour professional firefighter level. Our department fleet consists of two engines, a rescue, tanker, two grass trucks, dive rescue boat, dive rescue trailer, fire ATV, and a chief’s vehicle.

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Unattended candle causes fire

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Web Administrator

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. They often fall under the “Out of sight – Out of mind” category or the “What are the chances of me having a fire in my house?”.Our department responded to a call early this morning in regards to the posted pictures. This incident was caused by a candle left unattended overnight on the stove top. Fortunately, a working smoke detector awakened the sleeping residents and enabled them to contain the fire from spreading any further by using a fire extinguisher.This incident could have had a much more serious ending. Thankfully, the homeowners had fire safety precautions in place and were prepared to act.Prepare and protect yourself, your family, and your home for the unexpected.

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FCFD Golf Classic – June 10

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Web Administrator

FCFD Golf Classic Champions:

2020: The Streby Gang

2021: Corey Fearn, Cody Stafford, Tyler Doup, Dom Diguillo (-11)

2022: Jamie Park, Jarrod Park, Jason Cress, Rob Roth (-13)

2022 Golf Classic Proximity Hole Winners:

Women’s Longest Drive #6: Terri Dobson

Women’s Longest Drive #16: N/A

Men’s Longest Drive #1: Dave Dobson

Men’s Longest Drive #17: Rob Roth

Closest to the Pin #10: Doug Turpen

Closest to the Pin #8: Jim Meyer

Longest Putt #7: Doug Turpen

Longest Putt #18: Karl Kennedy

Save the date for our 2023 outing!

Last year’s golf outing was once again a great success thanks to our generous sponsors and an overwhelmingly wonderful group of golf enthusiasts.

This year there will be two closest to the pin holes, two longest drive holes (men and women), two longest putt holes, “Skee-ball Chipping Challenge”, and a Par 3 Challenge.

Women’s tees and Senior’s tees apply.

“On The Rise Bar-B-Que” will be preparing a post outing meal.

Due to the fantastic turnout we experienced last year, we will be limiting the number of teams this year to 36. Be sure to sign up early to reserve your place on the roster. We will also be implementing a time limit to ensure a timely completion of the outing.

Date: June 10, 2023

Location: Irish Hills Golf Club

7020 Newark Road

Mount Vernon, OH 43050

Tee Time: 9:00 am, Registration is 8:00 am to 8:45 am

Format: 4 Person Scramble

Fee: $68 per person / $272 per team

Includes: 18 Holes of golf, Cart, Lunch at the turn, 1 Beverage, Proximity holes, Meal following the outing

(Beverages provided by the host course)

Awards: First Place – $300 Last Place – $40 Proximity Holes – $10

Also Available: Mulligans, Skirts, Skins, Hand Grenades 50/50 Raffle

Sponsorships: Hole Sponsorships available for $100. Contact chief411@fredericktownfire.net for details.

Special Note: Pre-registration and pre-pay is required. 36 team limit. Visit www.fredericktownfire.net and use the “Golf Classic” link to register and pay.

This event is presented by the Fredericktown Firefighters Association.

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Canter named acting Chief, effective January 1

Posted on December 13, 2019 by Web Administrator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2019

Contact: Jason Bostic – FFII/PIO/CFSI
Tel: (740) 485-6790

jbostic@fredericktownfire.net

Canter named acting Chief effective January 1

The board members of the Fredericktown Community Fire District met in a special meeting on Monday night, December 9, to appoint an acting Chief. Well before the meeting started, the back room at the firehouse quickly filled to capacity with others filing down the hall to have a spot to listen in.

After a brief public participation session with several people speaking up and asking questions, the board of trustees entered into executive session. Coming out of the session, board Chairperson Dick Kershner stated, “the board has decided to go ahead and have the Assistant Chief to be in charge until we can run ads, do interviews for anybody that might be interested in the job.” The position of acting Chief was earned by Assistant Chief Dwayne Canter, who will assume those duties on January 1, 2020.

Chief Canter joined the fire department in 1992 as a line firefighter and worked his way through the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain before being named to Assistant Chief in February of 2010. He is highly active in all aspects of the fire department; run response, training, response, communications, the cadet program, maintenance, public education, records, and every part of the philanthropy that the Firefighters Association does.

“The appointment of Dwayne as the acting chief of our department is a crucial step towards maintaining continuity within the department operations and the services we provide along with upholding the quality and integrity,” stated current FCFD Chief Scott Mast. “He is well versed in our policies and procedures and instrumental towards assisting with the day to day activities.”

Most recently in January of 2018, Chief Canter was recognized for his extensive dedication and response to calls with the FCFD over the course of his career. He was presented with a special plaque to signify the accomplishment of having responded to 3,072 calls since joining the fire district.

“His dedication to the FCFD and our community is exhibited through continually being among the top responders to emergency calls, commitment to attending training sessions, and participation in community outreach events,” said Chief Mast.

In 2017, Chief Canter was presented with the Chief’s Award at the annual fire district awards ceremony and banquet. He was recognized in 2014 from the Knox County Chapter of the American Red Cross at their annual Heroes Breakfast for his participation in a rescue of a man trapped under a minivan in December of 2013. His response with several others prior to fire apparatus arrival utilized materials on scene to affect a rescue and gave the victim the best chance at life and survival.

Placed in command of the water supply operations at the 2010 Main Street fire in Fredericktown, his skill and knowledge were put to the test. From running water supply, to bringing in adequate resources of personnel and apparatus, he proved his mettle.

Throughout the course of his tenure with the FCFD, Chief Canter has earned the following awards Firefighter of the Year (three times), earned the Lifetime Service Award (20+ years of service), meritorious service, and Outstanding Service Award (two times).

“Firefighters, officers, and others were highly supportive of Chief Canter, and that showed both during the Monday meeting and the time spent conversing on the apparatus floor throughout the evening,” said FCFD Public Information Officer Jason Bostic. “He has been an integral part of the positive cultural change within the FCFD, his leadership, knowledge, tenure, and involvement is a priceless asset to have.”

Chief Canter is certified at the Firefighter II (240-hour) level of education and is a Certified Fire Safety Inspector. He holds a fire protection license from the Ohio Department of Commerce – Division of the State Fire Marshal for servicing/testing/repairing fire alarm and detection systems, sprinkler/standpipes, portable fire extinguishers, and pre-engineered extinguishers.

He resides in Fredericktown with his wife Heather and their daughter Brianna.

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SPECIAL MEETING – December 9, 2019

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Web Administrator

Notice is given that on the 9^th day of December, 2019 at 7:00pm the Fredericktown Community Fire District will hold a special meeting at 139 Columbus Road, Fredericktown, Ohio to appoint an acting Chief to be effective January 1, 2020.

Sandy Casto
Fiscal Officer

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Mast to Retire as Chief of FCFD on January 1

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Web Administrator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 4, 2019
Contact: Jason Bostic – FFII/PIO/CFSI
Tel: (740) 485-6790

jbostic@fredericktownfire.net

Mast to Retire as Chief of FCFD on January 1

After fifteen years at the top spot of the Fredericktown Community Fire District, Scott Mast will retire as the Chief, effective January 1, 2020. The announcement was official in a November 30 letter that was submitted to the FCFD Board of Trustees and shared with the members of the department. Mast joined the department in 1989, and with the exception of a few years out of state, he has served the community diligently since then in every role he has played part of. He is making the move to prioritize God and family at the top of his list and is highly looking forward to the arrival of his first grandchild in a few months.

Chief Mast has been instrumental in the transformation of the FCFD since being appointed in 2005 after the retirement of Larry Hazen. The list of accomplishments cited by Mast in his letter however don’t begin to scratch the surface on just how much further the mission of the fire district has moved positively under his command. Advancements in apparatus, equipment, safety, training standards, methodology, operations, fire prevention, community involvement, public education, and others pushed us toward fire service standards. His passion, drive, leadership, and professionalism can be seen in many areas of the operation of the FCFD. Beyond firefighting, it was his push of the mantra for customer service, pride in the department, community service, and going the extra mile for the residents of the district or wherever we are called.

While his long standing successful tenure as Fire Chief is coming to a close a few weeks, he will continue to serve the community. Mast will remain on the department to perform hands-on duties alongside his two firefighting sons Bronson and Brayden. Although it will be a change with Mast in the role of a firefighter, his ethic or rank never kept him from putting in that work throughout his career, and no task was below him. The firefighters of the FCFD look forward to working with him in this new role and celebrating his accomplishments.

Please read his attached letter that was submitted to the board.

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Cadets hard at work in training

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Web Administrator

Our cadets were hard at work last night for their first training in the month of December.

How successful is the cadet program at the FCFD? Our current roster is comprised of just over 19% personnel that were former cadets in the program here in Fredericktown! While it is great to see the success of cadets becoming firefighters, we are tasked with a more important goal. The goal of investing in the future of these young men and women, building them up, instilling many values, and providing them with life skills.

We are thankful for each of them and the commitment that they make to bettering themselves, others, our department, and serving the community. We know that as young men and women that they have many options for things that they can be involved in, and they choose to be here with us.

#TRAINHARD #DOWORK #OURCADETSWORK