At the April 7 trustees meeting, Fire Chief Tom Brice reported that March marks the third month in a row that the call volume has been the highest on record for the respective month. “We’re definitely staying busy,” he said.
Trustee Bob Mack questioned what could be driving the increase.
Chief Brice replied that the number of calls has risen throughout his career with the fire department, which began in 2004. “There’s just been an upward trend,” he said. The chief believes some of the increase can
The chief believes some of the increase can be attributed to people using the department in lieu of a doctor when they are really ill. In addition, he noted that more elderly peo
In addition, he noted that more elderly people are remaining in their homes independently. “We respond to a fair number of falls [in the home],” he said.
Chief Brice said the department also is handling an increasing number of calls pertaining to mental health issues.
Last month, the department responded to 183 calls, bringing the total number in the first quarter of 2021 to 501.
The calls were broken down to 148 EMS and 35 fire. The department received mutual aid seven times and provided it on 12 occasions. The largest number of EMS responses
The largest number of EMS responses were at residences, 112; followed by nursing homes, 29; businesses, 15; roadways, eight; schools, three; hotels, two, and river, medical and at station, one each.
Of those requiring transport, 43 went to McLaren St. Luke’s Hospital. The remaining went to Mercy of Perrysburg, 37; Toledo Hospital and Bay Park, seven apiece; St. Vincent’s, six; St. Charles, five; Flower, two, and University of Toledo Medical Center, one.
The department collected fire and EMS revenue of $28,315.
In other business, the trustees:
•Approved the hiring of two part-time firefighters–Joe Gernheuser and Colin Drake. Both begin work the week of April 18. Firefighter Gernheuser will be paid $21.14 per hour and Firefighter Drake, $14.79.
•Authorized the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at the township fire hall in June. The date has yet to be determined, Chief Brice said.
•Approved Brondes Ford to repair the fire department’s 1996 grass rig at a cost of $7,000. The fire chief explained that the clutch needs replaced and there are fluid leaks. He also pointed out “this is the time of year we need it the most.”
Trustee Gary Britten agreed, “especially with how dry it’s been.”
The next trustees’ meeting will be at 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, at the township hall, 26609 Lime City Road, and is open to the public. Social distancing and face coverings are required. Residents also may view the meeting virtu
Residents also may view the meeting virtually. The link is posted on the township website perrysburgtownship.us.