Mantua – At their last meeting, Chief Matt Roosa informed the board that yard signs are now available for the 2.99 EMS replacement levy that will be on the May 2nd ballot. He noted that the levy was passed by voters four years ago and urged voters to support the MSFD once again. Residents can find out exactly what their tax cost will be by visiting portagecountyauditor.org and clicking on the Portage County tax estimator tab.
Lastly, the Fire Department was proud to share that a major portion of a project commemorating the department’s history has been completed. According to Tim Benner, who coordinated the project, the idea to document the history occurred to him a few months ago. “Chief Roosa liked it, and the Fire Board liked it and approved funding for it, and I took it from there.”
A piece of 1867 sandstone was saved from the old Village Fire Station and has been outside the MSFD station since the new station opened. “We could never figure out how to honor the Department’s past with this relic from the former station,” Benner noted. That is, until now.
A few weeks ago, folks from Portage Monument and Sean Hammer of SNS Engraving in Kent crafted the memorial. The inscription on the 200+ pound sandstone reads:
Citizen Bucket Brigade – Mantua Station 1860
Mantua Hose Company #1 1901-1908
Mantua Village Fire Department 1908-1946
Mantua-Shalersville Fire Association 1946-1965
Mantua Township Volunteer Fire Department 1965-1975
Mantua-Shalersville Fire District 1975-
The stone has been placed near the entrance of the MSFD station on State Route 44, and it’s another example of local history being recorded for future generations. “It’s something I just don’t want to see being lost to time,” Benner explained. He noted that small flag holders will be added on each side of the concrete top piece, and two Maltese Fire Department medallions will be affixed under the two existing bronze plaques soon.
The next regularly scheduled Fire Board meeting will take place on Monday, April 10th at 6 pm. Residents are encouraged to attend.
