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Orrville Fire Chief: 2025 was the busiest year on record; new rescue apparatus, grant funding and station renovation planned
Summary
The Orrville Fire Department reported a record year in 2025 with 1,338 calls (1,026 EMS, 243 fire calls, 69 MVAs) as of Feb. 25, 2025, the arrival of a new Pierce heavy rescue truck, a federal $750,000 grant to support station renovation, and plans to add living quarters at Station 2 to move toward 24/7 coverage.
The Orrville Fire Department told council on March 16 that 2025 was the busiest year in the department's history and that the unit is preparing equipment and facility upgrades to meet demand.
The fire chief reported the department responded to 1,338 total calls for the year as of Feb. 25, 2025 (1,026 EMS calls, 243 fire calls and 69 motor‑vehicle accidents). December alone recorded 152 calls. The chief said the department logged roughly 47,436 total hours across station duty, training and calls in 2025 and noted mutual‑aid responses to neighboring townships 51 times last year.
Operational updates included the arrival and deployment of a new Pierce heavy rescue truck (Unit 63) and plans to begin building a Pierce Enforcer tower ladder with an anticipated delivery roughly nine months after construction starts. The chief outlined a renovation of Fire Station 2 to add living quarters that would support a move toward full 24/7 coverage.
The department also credited a federal grant of $750,000—secured with the assistance of a U.S. representative—for the construction phase of the Station 2 renovation and said the city had partnered with local businesses, the chamber and volunteer groups on events such as the annual July 4 fireworks and accompanying tournaments. The chief thanked utilities, public works and police for support during large events.
The chief concluded by noting investments in battery‑powered hydraulic rescue tools ("Jaws of Life") received through a Norfolk Southern Railroad Foundation grant and a grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation for equipment replacements.
Council members thanked the department for service and the council scheduled follow‑up appearances by the utilities director and others to coordinate operational impacts of station renovations and major events.
