Mantua – At the July 11th meeting, Fire Board members looked on as Chief Matt Roosa conducted a swearing-in ceremony for Jacob Bennett. Bennet is a Streetsboro resident; his mother, sister, brother-in-law, and nephews were present to witness the ceremony. Bennet received his pin from his nephew Aiden, while nephew Mason looked on.
In other news, Chief Roosa shared that the Department is currently seeking another one or two full-time firefighters, depending on the budget. He noted that several current part-time firefighters could potentially fill this need, though the Department would also be open to outside applicants. In similar news, the Department has contracted through Ohio Fire Chiefs for the administration of the State’s 100-question Firefighter test.
Lastly, Roosa asked Fire Board member and Shalersville Township Trustee, Frank Ruhr, to keep the Mantua-Shalersville Fire District in mind as development moves forward the Geis Project near the Ohio Turnpike exit. Roosa voiced concerns that while MSFD was not included as a part of the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD), the Department would be providing services including Fire Marshall services during construction, as well as emergency services once buildings have been completed. Roosa noted that these additional services could be a strain on the Department’s slim budget.
In response, Ruhr asked that Roosa “stay the course,” noting that while the Fire District isn’t noted in the first phase of construction like the Portage County Sheriff’s Office was, it would be included in phase two. Ruhr is optimistic that the second phase will move quickly and mean several million dollars of additional funding for the MSFD.
The next Fire Board meeting will take place on August 8th at 6 pm at the Fire Station on State Route 44.
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