Fire chief reports year of increased runs, strong billing collection and training gains

A fire department representative presented a combined December and annual report at the Jan. 12 trustees meeting, summarizing operational metrics and training for 2025. The department recorded 564 runs for the year, a 10.39% increase over the prior year; 59% of runs were EMS-related and 41% were fire responses. The presenter said the average out-the-door (turnout) time was about 1 minute 43 seconds, which he noted is well below the national 90th-percentile benchmarks cited in the packet.

The department reported $490,000 in property loss attributable to two fires during the year and noted that mutual aid was provided 146 times and received 32 times. The presenter listed completed training totals (12,85? hours reported in the packet summary) and emphasized a renewed outreach to Morgan Elementary for fire-prevention education (about 400 students reached during a five-day period). The department also reported 26 donated smoke detectors installed, $103,502 in grants awarded, and 41 people certified in CPR. The presenter described the billing practice as soft billing (billing insurers, not patients) and reported a collection rate of 97.8% for the year.

Trustees asked operational follow-ups, including confirming that pre-employment MVR checks were being completed for all staff who drive township vehicles; the chief said two drivers still needed checks and that he would complete them with the vendor and report back at the next meeting.

No formal board action was required beyond acceptance of the report; trustees thanked department staff for their work.