Mantua – At a recent meeting, Fire Chief Matt Roosa conducting a swearing in for two new part-time firefighters: Julie Farley and Robert Barnhart. He asked the board to accept Tyler Hill’s letter of resignation; Hill is working more hours at another department in an effort to secure a full-time position there. Similarly, Chief Roosa noted that Haley Martin, who recently joined the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department in a part-time capacity has tendered a letter or resignation, which the Board also accepted.
In other news, the department is researching the purchase of an under-vehicle washing system to help minimize corrosion and prolong the life of the department’s equipment. In addition, Roosa notified the Board that he has applied for a Bureau of Workers Compensation Safety Grant to purchase a new gear washer and additional barrier hoods. Both the washer and the hoods help reduce firefighters’ potential exposure to carcinogens and other harmful substances.
Lastly, the department has implemented a new residential Lock Box program in association with Roper Lock Box. The program provides a small, secure box, which holds a key. Any resident with medical issues or limited mobility, which may prevent them from opening the door in the event of an emergency, may choose to hang the box over their door to provide access for first responders. However, any resident of the Mantua-Shalersville Fire District may participate in this new program.
According to Roosa, “If a resident is unable to unlock or open the door in the event of an emergency, the Lock Box would provide MSFD personnel access to a key to quickly get to the resident in need. Without available access, emergency crews would have to force open a door or window causing damage to the home and possibly taking away precious time that could be used to assist the injured or ailing person.” Roosa noted that door keys placed inside will only be used in emergency situations, and the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department will have the only specialty keys that can open the Lock Box.
Residents that would like to participate in the program should stop by the fire station located at: 10303 State Route 44 Mantua, Oh 44255 to pick up an application. There is a cost of $30 to purchase the Lock Box — this is only covers the Department’s purchase price. Completed applications along with check, cash or money order can be dropped off or mailed to the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department. Residents will be notified to arrange a time for the Lock Box to be installed and homeowner’s key to be placed inside.
For questions, contact Chief Matthew Roosa, Assistant Chief Chris Mullins, or Fire Prevention Officer Brandon Baynes at (330) 274-3535.
The next regularly scheduled MSFD Board meeting will be held on Monday, September 9th at 6 pm; residents are encouraged to attend.
