Department Updates

Community Receives Superior Safety Rating in Fire Suppression

The fire suppression provided to residents of Centerville/Washington Township recently earned a Class 3 Public Protection Classification (PPC), placing the community in the top 5 percent of those evaluated.

The rating is assigned every ten years by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) which is the leading supplier of data and analytics for the property and casualty insurance industry. Ten classifications are available, with only 1 percent of communities receiving the highest ratings of Class 1 or 2.

“PPC is important to both communities and fire departments,” says Chief Bill Gaul. “Communities with lower PPC scores may get lower insurance prices. It also provides fire departments with a benchmark we can use when planning and budgeting for fire protection improvements.”

The classification is a credit to both the fire department and to Montgomery County water services, Gaul said. PPC ratings are based on:

• Fire alarm and communication system (10%)
• Fire department (50%)
• Water supply system (40%)

“We’re especially pleased ISO has provided us with this rating, given the increased demand for service we’ve experienced in recent years. We’ve worked hard both to keep up with demand and to maintain quality services,” said Gaul. Over the past 15 years, fire and emergency medical runs have increased by 83 percent -- from 3,445 in 1996 to 6,319 in 2011.

Washington Township’s PPO classification was upgraded to class 3 in 2003. The rating places the community in the top 5.1 percent in Ohio and among the top 5.6 percent nationally.

Department is Awarded Grant

The Washington Township Fire Department has been awarded a $300,000 Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the purchase of a combination engine/rescue vehicle.

The purchase will enable the department to replace two other vehicles, a 1991 fire engine and a 1993 rescue truck. “This will not only save the department money in the future, but will also improve the efficiency and flexibility of our emergency response capabilities,” said Fire Chief Bill Gaul.

The federal grant is expected to cover up to one half the cost of the engine/rescue vehicle. A committee consisting of command staff, firefighters and vehicle maintenance staff is working on specifications for the new vehicle. The goal is to have a vendor selected by the end of the year and delivery by 2013.

 

How You Can Be a Blood Donor

The Fire Department is hosting six blood donation drives in 2013 on behalf of the Community Blood Center.

The training room at Fire Headquarters, 8320 McEwen Rd., provides a convenient and welcoming place for community members to donate on a regular basis.  Log into www.donortime.com for up to date scheduling, appointments and infomation.

Check the flier for information on the upcoming blood drive.

Fire Prevention Week Featured Fire Station Open Houses

Children and their parents were able to tour fire stations, climb on equipment, meet firefighters. and pose for pictures with Sparky the Fire Dog during an October open house at all five Washington Township Fire Stations.  The event also was an opportunity for the department to share important fire safety and prevention information and say “Thank You” to the community for its ongoing support.

Station crews enjoyed the chance for a neighborly visit with residents; so many times they only see families in crisis. Residents were able to interact with crews, see inside fire stations, and learn more about fire equipment. Visitors who stopped by station 43, at Social Row Road and State Route 48, were also able to tour the training tower that's used to train firefighters in fire suppression and search and rescue techniques.

Thank you to everyone who attended and allowed Washington Township Fire to be a part of your Sunday afternoon.