Norwich fire department hires four volunteers, approves truck/radio purchases and begins voluntary drug testing

Norwich Township trustees approved staffing and equipment measures for the fire department as the department prepared for increased responsibilities after the levy and a dispatching change.

Personnel: trustees approved hiring four men from the volunteer rolls — Drew Hayes, Greg Young, Joe Russell and Jeff Morales — to serve on the department effective Jan. 15, 1990; the minutes show the hires followed required training thresholds and pension/insurance enrollment steps.

Equipment and vehicles: minutes record multiple equipment approvals across the year — purchase or repair of new squad/motor vehicles, replacement of radios and a radio base station, remote and backup base installations to connect with Hilliard dispatch, replacement of radiator or batteries on engines, and authorization for new bunker bedding and station security locks. A medic transmission problem was diagnosed and repaired by Ruhl Ford; the board approved related repairs and warranty contacts.

Policy and testing: the volunteer fire union initiated a voluntary drug‑testing program; trustees acknowledged the program and the department planned details with Shaver Medical Center. Trustees also discussed hepatitis vaccinations and approved the option for personnel to receive immunizations at their request.

Why it matters: the hires expand department capacity; equipment approvals prepare the department for consolidated dispatching and improved response; voluntary drug testing and immunizations address workplace safety and public health.

Next steps: chief and captain to implement purchases and training; clerk to process pension and insurance enrollment for new hires; board to monitor bids and warranty/repair follow‑up.