Fire chief reports rising call volume, five new hires and engine out of service

The Vermilion Fire Department reported increased call volume, new personnel and concerns about aging apparatus.

Fire Chief Archie told council the department answered 32 calls in August, roughly a 28% increase compared with last year. He said the department’s command staff interviewed six potential hires and welcomed five new members pending physicals, drug screens and background checks; four of the five graduated high school this spring, and two (Jacob Michalak and Braxton Martinez) are enrolled in a local firefighter academy.

The chief said the department is running a local Firefighter 2 class with seven members in partnership with the Lorain County Fire Chiefs to control training costs and keep personnel local. He also said dispatcher Mike Christie is enrolled in a fire-safety‑inspector class to expand department inspection capacity.

On apparatus, the chief said engine 81 (19 years old) failed a routine inspection because of severely rusted frame rails and is currently out of service while the department seeks a second opinion and warranty coverage. “Bare minimum, if we had to replace the frame rails, we'll probably be looking about $250,000,” the chief said, describing the work needed to disassemble and reinstall new frame rails for an older truck.

The chief said the department continues to evaluate bids for a new lighter truck and expects to narrow vendor options before presenting a recommendation to council in October. The department also plans an open house at the Douglas Street Station on Monday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m.