October 4, 2024 – Residents may have noticed a new green glow behind the Southwest Pickaway Fire District’s fire department—a dedicated helicopter pad designed to enhance emergency medical transport in the area. This development comes as part of ongoing improvements to the fire district’s services, which have previously relied on air medical transport without a designated landing space.
“Thanks to a generous donation, the fire district has officially added the helipad, complementing the recently opened service building that houses both W.A.D.E.S EMS and the Southwest Pickaway Fire Department. This facility was funded by a $1.8 million levy passed by local citizens in 2022 and represents a significant milestone for the community,” said the departments.
The new service building is equipped for the future, featuring office areas for both departments and a public space for community events like voting and blood drives. Key amenities include a state-of-the-art air system for fire trucks, a powerful generator for continuous power, and now, the helipad for quicker emergency responses.
The helipad is especially crucial for the volunteer fire department, which often faces staffing challenges. “Creating a helipad to their specifications allows us not to pull a crew to assist in landing the helicopter or call for mutual aid,” said Chief Roger Peart for the department. “We can simply tell them to land at our station’s pad, which is a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
This addition not only streamlines emergency response times but also opens up possibilities for the helicopter to be used for various other community needs. The Southwest Pickaway Fire District is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents with these new resources.
