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South Zanesville fire and police report rising calls; departments secure grants, equipment
Summary
Fire Chief Russell Taylor reported 126 calls in March and new grants and training; Police Chief Mark Ross reported 188 calls in March (up from 85 in 2024), three felony arrests referred to the grand jury, approval of a bulletproof-vest grant, and purchases of canine control nooses and less‑lethal shotgun stocks.
Fire and police leaders told the South Zanesville Village Council on April 7 that both departments have increased activity and are taking steps to strengthen safety and community outreach.
Fire Chief Russell Taylor said the department answered 126 calls in March, has secured $3,000 from Walmart and submitted roughly $80,000 in additional grant requests for station and equipment improvements, and added new certified personnel. He said a full‑day training session last Saturday involved about 20 members, the department distributed a new public‑education brochure describing CPR and first‑aid training, and it will hold an Easter Egg Hunt at the park on April 19. Chief Taylor presented a draft burn‑permit form that references compliance with the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code; he said a final ordinance will be presented at the next council meeting.
Police Chief Mark Ross reported 188 call records in March 2025, up from 85 in March 2024, and summarized 17 reports including two death investigations and three felony arrests that were forwarded for grand jury consideration. He said the department’s State Bulletproof Vest Grant was approved and an order placed for four vests. The department purchased three canine control nooses (one to be assigned to each cruiser) and new shotgun stocks to enable deployment of less‑lethal beanbag rounds while retaining lethal patrol rifles; Ross said training and policy updates will follow to govern the change. Two auxiliary officers contributed a total of 16 hours in March and one auxiliary officer remains on maternity leave.
Why it matters: the higher call volume and recent felony cases reflect operational pressures on small municipal departments; grant awards and equipment purchases are intended to bolster officer safety and response options. The council did not vote on these reports but will consider a burn‑permit ordinance at its next meeting and will expect departmental follow‑up on training and equipment policy.
