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Jacksonville fire chief reports resignations, brush truck donations and a certification dispute
Summary
Fire Chief D.J. Henry told council on Jan. 30 that three volunteers resigned, Homer Township offered up to $4,200 in brush truck equipment donations, and the department applied for multiple grants; the council questioned firefighter Hunter Harp’s Ohio certification status while Henry and Harp said Harp is Pro Board certified.
Fire Chief D.J. Henry updated the Village of Jacksonville council on Jan. 30 about personnel changes, equipment needs and grant applications at the fire department.
Henry reported that volunteer member Leora Coffman is enrolled in firefighter classes but is not yet carded, and that Marvin Nichols, Alycia Nichols and junior firefighter Zach Nichols have resigned. Henry said Homer Township has offered to purchase up to $4,200 of equipment for a new brush truck — items such as a light bar, siren and tool boxes — and will donate those items to the department. Council discussed whether previously approved brush‑truck appropriation funds could be used for vehicle lettering; the appropriation ordinance was later amended to reflect $1,600 in donations toward the brush truck.
Henry outlined grant applications: a 50/50 match grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for gear for Firefighter Hunter Harp; an equipment grant request of $10,000 toward approximately $12,000 in saws, a battery fan and tools (village share about $2,000); and a $1,000 training reimbursement grant for two members. He also said the department received a 2024 MARCS grant that will cover certain user fees in 2025.
On certification, Mayor Sam Smathers provided a printout from the State of Ohio Certification Verification website showing that Hunter Harp does not appear on the state list of certified firefighters. Harp said he is Pro Board certified and that he submitted an application to Ohio for reciprocity and issuance of an Ohio firefighter certification. Fiscal Officer Heather Rockwell said she was told by State EMS that Harp must apply and be issued an Ohio Firefighter Certification based on his U.S. Air Force certificates and payment of a fee. Chief Henry stated that Pro Board certification allows firefighters to operate in multiple states and said he believes Harp is covered while the state application is processed. The council discussed insurance and operational implications while the state certification is pending.
Henry also reported department activity: five runs in January (two structure fires, two lift assists and one vehicle accident). He announced the department’s Easter Breakfast is scheduled for April 19, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Why it matters: Volunteer staffing changes and clarifications about certification affect the department’s ability to respond and the village’s liability posture while members await state paperwork. Grant applications and donated equipment could reduce local costs if awarded or accepted.
What’s next: Council added $550 for Harp’s training and certification process to the appropriation discussions and noted two additional members may require classes in April; the fiscal officer will update the appropriation ordinance accordingly.
