The Munson Fire Department was organized as a non-profit corporation and was granted a charter as such by the State of Ohio on March 12, 1953. With the cooperation of the Munson School Board, and a local State Fire Instructor, 15 men completed the Ohio State course in firefighter certification. The department solicited funds in the form
The Munson Fire Department was organized as a non-profit corporation and was granted a charter as such by the State of Ohio on March 12, 1953. With the cooperation of the Munson School Board, and a local State Fire Instructor, 15 men completed the Ohio State course in firefighter certification. The department solicited funds in the form of donations from residents of the township. Some money was also borrowed to increase the working capital. The first piece of apparatus acquired was a 1942 Ford, American-La-France 250 GPM pump, having a 350 gallon booster tank, which was immediately reconditioned by the men. This unit was replaced in 1965 by an International, Hale 750 GPM pump with a 750 gallon tank and is still in service.
Following the pumper-truck, came the acquisition of the land and building for the fire station from Ernest Kick. The old fire station was located on Mayfield Road at Fowlers Mill current the community Produce Market.
Every purchase made during the years that followed has been aimed at giving Munson residents the protection they needed. Improvement of equipment has gone forward continuously and the firemen themselves have done all the work that they could possibly do. Outside labor had been used only when absolutely necessary. In addition to the work of building and improving the department the volunteers have not lost sight of their initial goal; fast and effective protection of life and property against loss or damage by fire. The men, new building and equipment are all covered by suitable insurance against any type of loss. The firemen are all provided with proper protective clothing to reduce personal risk at the fire ground.
In the beginning the means of getting funds were: the sale of bonds, auctions, bake sales, dances, donations and carnival activities.
On October 11, 1979 the formal dedication of the current fire station was held. This site of 16 acres was chosen by township trustees because of its central, geographic location. The fire department officially moved in December 11, 1979. At present, the building contains the fire department, bay area, Fire Administration, Township Administration, and a community meeting room. The contract for fire protection service to Munson Township was signed with the Munson Township Trustees on May 30, 1953. At that time, when a call came through for the fire department the phone rang in the home of the ten members of the department. The members’ wives would take the call with all information concerning the fire and in turn call the rest of the members. In 1975 the Munson Fire Dept. went to the radio paging system A call will now go through the Sheriff’s Dept. and the dispatcher will in turn page the members of the fire department. Fire Chiefs of the department have been: Herbert Root, William Armstrong, James Duncan, Charles Poutasse, Clyde Young, Douglas Reidel, Bernie Harchar, Mark Lynn, and our current Chief Michael Vatty.
In 1970 the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fire Department restarted. The name “Munson Flares” was chosen for the auxiliary. The Munson Flares had helped to complete the uniforms the men got by a donation for the purchase of the badges and arm patches, and also obtained the stove and refrigerator for the present kitchen.
Shortly after 1990 the Fire Department went to a paid on call system due to the growing number of calls and less volunteers available during work week working hours. EMS (Emergency Medical Services were in higher demand as our community continued to grow. In 1994 Munson Fire Department started part-time staffing of the Fire Station. In 2000 the part-time went to full–time to meet the continuing growing needs of the Community. On January 22, 2003 after many growing pains, the residents received an ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating of 3/6. This is the best in Geauga County and for most of Northeast Ohio for a township without fire hydrants, which reduced your insurance premiums.
Over the years we have established a plan to replace all the aging equipment and as of today we are close to having relatively new vehicles and equipment. Our future goal is to replace our back up twelve (12) year old ambulance and our firefighter turn out equipment.
Faced with a continual increase in operations and a declining pool of volunteers, the Munson Fire Department had to establish a plan that would improve services and provide a higher level staffing.
Since trained members of the Fire Department were unavailable to provide emergency calls and commit to twelve-hour shifts, the decision was made to proceed as quickly as possible to hire part-time firefighters / paramedics.
The Munson Fire Department’s plan to provide twenty-four hour staffing, purchase equipment and help maintain a lower tax burden for Fire and EMS protection were the goals defined in our business plan. Faced with a continual increase in operations and a declining pool of adequately trained volunteers, the Munson Fire Department has established a plan that improves services and provides it with the ability to purchase equipment without asking the community to bear the cost.
As Munson grows and businesses expand we must find new ways to provide the needed protection for both businesses and residents of the community. Today, both our residents and businesses demand government to demonstrate success in reducing costs while maintaining a high quality of service. This concern has Munson Fire Department exploring new paths in order to support the continued growth of the community that it serves.
The Fire and Emergency Medical Service needs in the community of Munson Township have grown steadily over the past decade. The Township of Trustees, have provided these services to the residents of Munson Township for the past fifty-five years. I hope this little bit of history will enlighten you to the service of the efforts of all the members past and present for their many dedicated hours and years of service to our community. The true volunteers of the past must never be forgotten for the time they spent away from their families to make this Fire Department what is today, the best in Geauga County.
Our mission is simple. We are here to protect the lives and property of Munson Township residents and beyond. Be it at the scene of a fire, motor vehicle accident, technical rescue, or medical call, we strive to respond with courage, integrity, and compassion.
As Public Servants it is our duty to provide the community with highly trained
Our mission is simple. We are here to protect the lives and property of Munson Township residents and beyond. Be it at the scene of a fire, motor vehicle accident, technical rescue, or medical call, we strive to respond with courage, integrity, and compassion.
As Public Servants it is our duty to provide the community with highly trained Firefighters who operate aggressively to answer and mitigate any call for service we may receive.
Munson Township Fire Department offers a wide range of services to the community including fire suppression, medical emergency response, hazardous materials response and technical rescues, as well as community outreach programs and routine commercial fire inspections.
The Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with a minimu
Munson Township Fire Department offers a wide range of services to the community including fire suppression, medical emergency response, hazardous materials response and technical rescues, as well as community outreach programs and routine commercial fire inspections.
The Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with a minimum of 4 highly trained and skilled Firefighter/ Paramedics. We currently operate out of 1 station in the center of town at 12200 Auburn Rd which houses 2 ALS Ambulances, an ALS Capable 70' Ladder, a Rescue Engine, Pumper Tanker, a boat, and 3 command/ support vehicles.