May 1, 2008	Brutus is coming! Fairfield Township Fire Department will anticipates the delivery of a new fire engine, nicknamed “Brutus”, in the month of May. The pictures below are of the truck in the final stages of production and during the pump testing at Sutphen.
April 20, 2008	Fire Department Promotes Officers Fairfield Township Fire Department proudly announces the following promotions. Benjamin Bultman promoted from Station 1 Lieutenant to Station 1 Captain Jim Coggin promoted from Station 1 Lieutenant to Captain of Training and Safety Ryan Berter promoted from firefighter/paramedic to Station 1 Lieutenant Matt Schumann promoted from firefighter/paramedic to Station 1 Lieutenant
January 31, 2008	Township fire department picks top firefighters By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Thursday, January 31, 2008 Fairfield Twp. Fire Department last week awarded firefighter of the year honors to two men known for their involvement in the department and the township. Firefighters voted Ryan Berter, 27, the top firefighter of the department's Tylersville Road station and John McGinnis Sr., 47, the top firefighter of its Morris Road headquarters. Fairfield Twp. Fire Chief David Downie presented both men with plaques during a Jan. 22 trustees meeting. He said both men exemplify qualities the department likes to see in its firefighter/EMTs. "They are both enthusiastic, take on extra projects and go above and beyond the normal call," Downie said. "That's why their peers have picked them." The two men might be decades apart in age, but they are similar when it comes to their commitment to colleagues and the community. Berter, a 1998 Fairfield High School graduate and father of three, is also a full-time firefighter with West Chester Twp. He joined the Fairfield Twp. Fire Department in 1999, Fire Chief David Downie said. Berter's responsibilities include designing and printing the department's map books and pre-plans. He also organized a 2006 fundraiser for a 10-year-old boy suffering from cancer. Berter said it was great to be chosen by his fellow firefighters for the honor. "To know that I'm actually able to impact and give the guys more than just the day-to-day is an awesome feeling," he said. McGinnis, who joined the department in 2003, works full-time with Modern Sheet Metal Works in Miamitown . The 47-year-old serves on the department with sons Andy and Steve McGinnis. He said it was "quite an honor" to be selected for the award. "Because it's my peers who made the selection, it's pretty awesome," McGinnis said. "We've got some great individuals that do a lot of different things that are real assets to our department." Downie said McGinnis and his family assisted in selling T-shirts and organizing a pancake breakfast last year to raise funds for Chris Wisner, a township firefighter/EMT who died earlier this month following a three-year battle with leukemia. In addition, McGinnis and Modern Sheet Metal Works have donated countless hours and material to the department for metal work fabrication, Downie said. Fairfield Twp. firefighters first began nominating their peers for the award in 2000, Downie said. They base their nominations on several criteria, he said, including a firefighter's level of community service, leadership, fire skills and willingness to take on extra responsibilities. Fire department officers are not eligible to vote and may not receive the award, Downie said. Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or eschwartzberg@coxohio.com. John McGinnis, Sr Ryan Berter
January 24, 2008	Fire departments honor Wisner By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Thursday, January 24, 2008 Fire departments from around Butler County turned out to pay tribute to one of their own. Christopher A. Wisner, a Fairfield Twp. firefighter/EMT, died Jan. 17 at Jewish Hospital in Kenwood, a day after his 27th birthday, following a three-year battle against acute myelogenous leukemia. Fairfield Twp. Fire Department and University of Cincinnati police escorted the body of the Fairfield High School graduate Friday afternoon from Cincinnati to Rose Hill Burial Park in Fairfield Twp. The West Chester Fire Department gave special salutes at the Crescentville Road, Union Centre and Hamilton-Mason Road overpasses as the procession moved north along Interstate 75. Liberty and Fairfield Twp. fire departments paid tribute at the cemetery, Fairfield Twp. Fire Chief David Downie said. Diagnosed with leukemia in January 2005, Wisner underwent chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants from his younger brother, David Wisner, to combat the disease. He returned to the department for several months but stopped working in early 2007 after a relapse, said Chris Wisner's mother, Lisa Wisner. Downie said the procession was the department's way of paying its respects. "Fire service is known as a brotherhood," Downie said. "Regardless of how long Chris was a member ... he was still a brother. While he didn't die in the line of the duty, he was a firefighter and we want to show him the respect he deserves." Lisa Wisner said her son told fiancee Tina Goth that he wanted a fireman's funeral. "At a time like this it gives me comfort because I know we're doing right by Chris," she said. "The fire department is awesome because they're making his last wish come true." Visitation was Sunday at Ivey Funeral Home at Rose Hill Burial Park in Fairfield Twp. The funeral was Monday. Staff photo by Samantha Grier
January 19, 2008	Area firefighters honor 'brother' who succumbed to leukemia Member of Fairfield Twp. department died a day after his 27th birthday. By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Saturday, January 19, 2008 FAIRFIELD TWP. — Fire departments from around Butler County turned out Friday afternoon to honor one of their own. Christopher A. Wisner, a Fairfield Twp. firefighter/EMT, died Thursday morning at Jewish Hospital in Kenwood, a day after his 27th birthday, following a three-year battle against acute myelogenous leukemia. Fairfield Twp. Fire Department and University of Cincinnati police escorted the body of the Fairfield High School graduate Friday afternoon from Cincinnati to Rose Hill Burial Park in Fairfield Twp. The West Chester Fire Department gave special salutes at the Crescentville Road, Union Centre and Hamilton-Mason Road overpasses as the procession moved north along Interstate 75. Fire departments of Liberty and Fairfield townships paid tribute at the cemetery, said Fairfield Twp. Fire Chief David Downie. Diagnosed with leukemia in January 2005, Wisner underwent chemotherapy. His younger brother, David was a donor for bone marrow transplants to combat the disease. He returned to the department for several months but stopped working in early 2007 after a relapse, said his mother, Lisa Wisner. Downie said the procession was the department's way of paying its respects. "Fire service is known as a brotherhood," Downie said. "Regardless of how long Chris was a member ? he was still a brother. While he didn't die in the line of the duty, he was a firefighter and we want to show him the respect he deserves." Lisa Wisner said her son told fiancee Tina Goth that he wanted a fireman's funeral. "At a time like this it gives me comfort because I know we're doing right by Chris," she said. "The fire department is awesome because they're making his last wish come true." Visitation is scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Ivey Funeral Home at Rose Hill Burial Park, 2565 Princeton Road, Fairfield Twp. The funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday and is open to the public.
December 24, 2007	Fairfield Township Fire Department reminds residents of the importance of Smoke Detectors Fairfield Township, Ohio December 24, 2007 The Fairfield Township Fire Department would like to remind residents of the importance of Smoke Detectors. This message reinforces the message sent from the State Fire Marshall stating “since November 24, 2007 fires have claimed the lives of 13 Ohioans including eight children. In each of these fires, smoke detectors weren’t present, didn’t function properly or were placed in an ineffective location. Almost 90 percent of Ohio’s civilian fire deaths occurred in homes that had no functioning smoke detector.” As a service to the Fairfield Township residents, Fairfield Township Fire Department offers the following programs: Fire Safety classes Utilizing the state of the art Fire Safety trailer located at Fairfield Township Fire Headquarters. Fairfield Township firefighters will conduct fire safety classes for residents Covers Home Fire Safety, Cooking/Stove Safety, “Get out & Stay out home escape plans. Home Fire inspections This service entails Firefighters coming to homes of Fairfield Township residents Checking Smoke Detectors, Smoke Detector batteries and offering other Home fire safety tips. To participate in either of these programs please contact Capt. Jim Coggin at 513.887.4402 ext 2040 or by email jcoggin@fairfieldtwp.org.
September 1, 2007	The second annual Safety Fair will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm and will include Miami Valley Care flight University of Cincinnati Air Care an Arson dog from the ATF
August 28, 2007	The Fairfield Township Fire Department and Fairfield Township Trustees honored retired Captain Janet Hurn with a service award at their meeting. Capt. Hurn was recognized for 14 years of dedication and service to Fairfield Township
June 26, 2007	Fire department honors family who rescued twins Fairfield Township Fire Department, Fairfield Township Trustees, Wal-Mart store manager Ben Kincer, Chili’s, Restaurant, and the representatives of the East Butler County YMCA recognized the Webber family whose actions helped save the lives of two children earlier this month. The family received accolades and awards for their diligence, quick action and efforts. After the family received applause from the audience, Fairfield Township Fire Chief Dave Downie had one last award for 5-year-old Thomas. In a previous interview Thomas had stated he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. Chief Downie awarded Thomas and his family a ride in the Fairfield Township Fire Department Quint. Fairfield Township Asst. Chief Paul McKendry Wal-Mart store manger Ben Kincer presents gift card presents Hometown Hero Certificates The Webber Family Thomas and Family riding in Fire Truck
June 25, 2007	Fire department to honor family who rescued twins Hamilton Journal News -- Article Link By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or eschwartzberg@coxohio.com Monday, June 25, 2007 FAIRFIELD TWP. — The Fairfield Twp. Fire Department plans Tuesday night to recognize a Liberty Twp. family whose actions helped save the lives of two children earlier this month. Danny and Cheri Webber were at the East Butler County YMCA June 16 when their 5-year-old son Thomas spotted 9-year-old Prince Odai at the bottom of the pool, said Fairfield Twp. Fire Chief Dave Downie. Thomas alerted his father, who removed the boy from the bottom of the pool and notified the on-duty lifeguards. The boy's twin sister, Princess Odai, was discovered motionless in the water and also was removed. Danny Webber's wife, Cheri, a registered nurse, opened the airways of the victims and assisted with rescue breathing along with the lifeguards, Downie said. Cheri Webber and the lifeguards stabilized the twins prior to the arrival of township paramedics. Told by officials they could not use the facility because they could not swim, the twins somehow got into the pool, Downie said. The Webbers are scheduled to be honored 7 p.m. at the Fairfield Twp. Administration Building, 6032 Morris Road, during a regularly scheduled session of the township's board of trustees.
June 22, 2007	Fairfield Township Firefighter Injured in Floor Collapse By DAVID DOWNIE Correspondent 1st Responder Network -- Story Number 062207105– Article Link A Fairfield Township Firefighter was briefly trapped this morning in a house fire in the 6800 block of Morris Road. Fairfield Township Firefighters were dispatched shortly after 1:00 AM this morning to 6861 Morris Road for a reported structure fire with flames showing. Upon arrival three minutes later, firefighters found heavy fire coming from the second floor windows of the two story home. Firefighter Ryan Berter was briefly trapped when the stairway he was operating in collapsed. Firefighter Berter fell to the basement and was rescued by fellow firefighters. During the fall, his SCBA mask was dislodged, but he was able to orient himself and call out for help. Firefighter Berter continued working at the scene but was later taken to Mercy Hospital for evaluation. The building was vacant at the time of the blaze. Due to the heavy damage, the Butler County Building Department has condemned the building making the investigation difficult. Liberty Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.
June 18, 2007	Fairfield Township Fire Adds Summer Safety Links With summer fast approaching, more and more people in the Fairfield Township area will be enjoying the outdoors. Unfortunately, sun, heat and fair-weather activities such as swimming, biking, picnicking and lawn mowing also present their share of hazards. To help ensure everyone in the community enjoys a safe summer, the members of Fairfield Township Fire Department offer the following tips 2007 Summer Safety Tips
June 16, 2007	Fairfield Township Firefighters Respond to Multiple Near Drownings in 24 hour period By DAVID DOWNIE Correspondent 1st Responder Network -- Story Number 061607112 – Article Link Fairfield Township Ohio-Fairfield Township firefighters have responded to three near drowning accidents in two separate incidents involving small children in less than 24 hours. On Friday, June 15, 2007, crews responded to the Lakewood subdivision pool located at Princeton Road and Lakewood Drive around 2 PM for a three year old who had been rescued from the bottom of the pool. A nursing student visiting the pool performed rescue breathing and the child was breathing on his own upon arrival of Fairfield Township Paramedics. The Child was transported to Mercy Hospital Fairfield where he was later transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for observation. An adult care taker had taken a group of children to the neighborhood pool and left the children unattended while he smoked a cigarette when the incident occurred. The pool does not have any life guards on duty. On Saturday, June 16, 2007, the department was called to the Butler County East YMCA at 6116 Morris Road at 12:53 PM for a person down and CPR in process as a result of a near drowning. Upon arrival three minutes later, firefighters discovered that two 9 year olds twins, a brother and sister, were found at the bottom of the pool and were not breathing when they were rescued by other swimmers and life guard personnel. Five year old Thomas Webber was swimming with his family when he discovered the bodies on the bottom of the pool while using his underwater goggle. He told his father, Danny Webber, who found one child at the bottom of the pool and another sinking in the water. Both victims were not breathing but had pulses when pulled from the water. Sherry Webber, the mother of Thomas, is a registered nurse and assisted the life guards with rescue breathing and with clearing their airways until department Paramedics arrived Both Children were transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital by Miami Valley CareFlight and are listed in serious condition. The parents of the children asked YMCA personnel about 30 minutes prior to the incident if the kids could swim in the pool. This request was denied due to the fact that neither child could swim. It is unsure how the children entered the pool and why the parents were not supervising the children at the time of the accident.
May 30 , 2007	3 Elderly Women Critically Injured in Fairfield Township Accident By DAVID DOWNIE Correspondent 1st Responder Network -- Story Number 053007105 – Article Link FAIRFIELD TWP OHIO. – A car traveling the wrong way on Ohio 129 just east of Bypass 4 led to a three car crash that critically injured three elderly women. Juanita Cates, 80, of Fairfield was transported by CareFlight helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. She is listed in critical condition with a head injury. Meanwhile, Allene Miller 82 of Hamilton was transported by AirCare helicopter to University Hospital in Cincinnati and is in critical condition. Helen Narnhart, 84 of Hamilton was transported to Fort Hamilton Hospital and later transferred to University Hospital and is also listed in critical condition. Apparently, Cates- with Miller and Barnhart as passengers was driving eastbound on the westbound lanes of Ohio 129 in a 1991 Buick Lesabre shortly before 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. A 1999 Ford pickup truck struck the Buick head on near Ohio Bypass 4. According to Fairfield Township Police, Brian Latimer, a Hamilton resident driving the pickup truck swerved to avoid the Buick, but clipped the cars bumper and rolled over top of the Buick. A 2002 Mazda Protégé driven by Marie Ahlquis of Mason subsequently struck the rear of the pick up truck. Ahlquist was transported to Fort Hamilton Hospital for observation. All three passengers in the Buick required extensive extrication. Fairfield Township was assisted on the scene by Liberty Township Fire and EMS. Apparently, Cates mistook the exit ramp for westbound 129 as an entrance to the Bridgewater Falls shopping complex.
May 29, 2007	Three hurt in wrong-way crash Cincinnati Enquirer – Article Link BY JANICE MORSE | JMORSE@ENQUIRER.COM FAIRFIELD TWP. – A motorist going the wrong way and her two passengers were seriously hurt in a three-vehicle pileup on Ohio 129 just east of Bypass 4 this morning. Police are trying to figure out why the elderly woman was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of the highway, said Richard St. John, Fairfield Township police chief. He declined to release the woman’s name but said her address is listed in the Fairfield area so she should have been familiar with the highway. The woman's age was not disclosed. The wreck happened just before 10 a.m. The woman’s Buick LeSabre collided with a Ford pickup truck, despite the truck driver’s attempt to swerve and avoid the crash, St. John said. The truck driver suffered minor injuries. The women in the Buick were more seriously hurt because the truck rolled over the top of the Buick, he said. A Mazda Protégé struck the rear of the Ford, but that car’s driver was uninjured, St. John said. Crews had to cut the women from the wreckage, St. John said. All three were taken to hospitals.
January 31, 2007	Fairfield Twp. making switch to part-time fire department Wednesday, January 31, 2007 FAIRFIELD TWP. — Six decades of volunteer fire and EMS service in Fairfield Twp. will soon be history. The township's fire department, which began in 1947, will make the switch Saturday from a volunteer to a part-time paid fire department. Extras With 70 fire/EMS workers at its disposal, the township will have enough to provide 24-hour coverage each of its two fire stations. Four firefighters/paramedics will be on duty at each fire station at all times. The department also has two full-time employees – Chief Dave Downie and Assistant Chief Paul McKendry. The transformation will cost the township $657,000 for the addition of 10 new firefighter positions to the department. Downie stressed that the cost is part of the department's approved $2.2 million budget for 2007, not an increase. What has increased is the township's population – up 108 percent since 1990 – and its fire run demands. Since 1997, fire and EMS calls jumped 75 percent. Last year, the department responded to a record 1,544 calls. "Our run volume increases have exceeded our capabilities to provide service," Downie said. Making matters worse is a decline in volunteerism, he said. Trustee Steve Morgan said the move was something the community was overdue for. "It was just time to make it to happen," Morgan said. "The volunteer days are just about over with every fire department." In Ohio, the number of volunteer firefighters declined from 34,000 to 30,000 in the last decade, even though 75 percent of the state's fire departments are staffed by volunteers, according to Ohio Fire Marshal's Office. Downie said the new part-time status will give the department the ability to recruit enough volunteers to provide an adequate amount of service after 6 p.m. Part-time workers make about $15 an hour, Downie said. Township officials plan to re-examine the fire department budget to pay for the part-time salaries, Downie said. "We are exceeding our income on our budget and that's something trustees will address in the near future," he said.
November 10, 2006	Fairfield Township Fire Department Receives Federal Grant Announced today that Fairfield Township Fire Department is the recipient of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The Office of Grants and Training in the Department of Homeland Security administers the grants in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. For fiscal year 2005, Congress reauthorized the Assistance to Firefighters Grants for an additional 5 years through 2010. http://www.firegrantsupport.com/docs/media06_061006.pdf Fairfield Township Fire Department’s award is for Operations and Safety. Plans are to allocate the funds for Personal Protective Equipment, Equipment and Station Modification Total project cost is $170,392.00 Federal share is $161,873.00 Township Share is $8,519.00
October 9, 2006	Staffing Study & Station Location Findings to be Presented Tuesday October 10 at 7:00pm Fairfield Township Fire Department Staffing Study & Station Location Report