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Jacksonville conditionally activates firefighter, discusses background checks and $830 invoice
Summary
Fire Chief DJ Henry reported eight runs since April, recommended adding Hunter Harp pending a current fire card, presented two other applicants, and raised an $830 invoice for gear bought via a 2023 grant that the Jacksonville Firefighters Association was to cover but has not; council asked the Eagles for a donation and scheduled a Fire Committee meeting for June 24.
Fire Chief DJ Henry told the Village of Jacksonville council on May 27 that the department responded to eight runs since the April meeting — four motor-vehicle accidents, three calls for service and one EMS assistance call.
Henry said he received two applications: Marvin Nichols, who wishes to return to the department, and John Welch, a former member who previously did not complete required certification classes. Henry said the department has informed Nichols of new requirements and that council should decide what background-check documentation is acceptable.
Council members discussed whether a background check and driving abstract obtained for service in neighboring Amesville could be used for Jacksonville, whether the village should require a BCI check or an FBI check, and how recent a background check must be to be considered current. Mayor Sam Smathers and Council scheduled a Fire Committee meeting for Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM to set personnel requirements.
On a vote, Councilperson Leonard "Butch" Chapman moved to approve Hunter Harp as an active member contingent on Rockwell receiving a current fire card; Councilperson Eric Clift seconded, all members voted yes and the motion carried.
Henry also raised a financial matter from 2023: a purchase through Redd's Public Safety that left an $830 overage the Jacksonville Firefighters Association (JFA) was to cover. Henry said the JFA's current balance is unknown because the association's accountant has the books and asked whether council would approve paying the $830 from village funds. Council did not immediately authorize payment and recommended requesting a donation from the Eagles to cover the invoice.
The council briefly discussed billing for mutual-aid runs. Mayor Smathers asked whether the village bills runs outside Jacksonville; Henry said the department bills for all territories except Homer Township, which by contract prohibits soft billing.
The council did not adopt new personnel rules at the meeting and flagged the June 24 Fire Committee meeting for follow up.
