 |
| CITY OF ST. MARYS FIRE DEPARTMENT |
| 222 INDIANA AVE. ST. MARYS, OHIO 45885 |
 |
| DEPARTMENT HISTORY |
 |
|
| Around 1890, two volunteer fire departments were formed. The Atlantic Company protected the West side, and the Niagra Fire Company protected the East side. The four-wheeled wagons were equipped with hose, ladders, and a pump. They were pulled to the scene of the fire by the firefighters, who then had to pump by hand. In November of 1891 the Niagra Fire Company burned down due to a malfunctioning gas stove. The fire was fought by the Atlantic Company. The Fire Department became full time in the early 1900's, and worked a 72 hour week. One day on and one day off. In the early 1960's they went to a 56 hour week, working one day on and two days off, with the work day lasting 24 hours. The department at that time consisted of one Chief, one Asst. Chief, two Captains, six Firefighters and one swingman. The swingman was moved around to cover for vacation and sick leave. The shifts changed at 1730. The Chief worked a 40 hour week with the weekends off. The city started the paramedics program in 1977 with 2 members, and now every full-time member is a paramedic. Becoming a paramedic is a requirement for working on the St. Marys Fire Department. All full-time firefighters must go to the state fire academy for 240 hours of fire training. In addition to the fire academy, all members must become paramedic certified within two years of their hire date. Officers also have to complete fire investigation training, and building inspector training. The department currently changes shifts at 0800 and has 1 Chief/Paramedic, 1 Asst. Chief/Paramedic, 2 Captain/Paramedics, 6 Firefighter/Paramedics, 3 Swing Firefighter/Paramedics, and up to 15 volunteer firefighters. The swing firefighters are assigned to a shift, but can be moved to cover for vacations and sick leave. The department also currently has 3 Ambulances, 3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Tanker, 1 Equipment/Rescue, 2 station vehicles, 1 Chiefs car, and 1 Fire Safety Trailer. |