Ashville, Ohio, January 2025 – The Harrison Township Fire Department is starting 2025 on a high note, with the announcement of increased staffing to enhance its ability to respond to the community’s needs. Following a record-breaking year in 2024 with over 2,800 runs, the department is adding three new full-time firefighters—one for each 24-hour shift. The new staffing structure will now include a captain, a lieutenant, and seven firefighters per shift, allowing the department to better meet the growing demands of the community.
“Thanks to the continued support from our community, we are excited to announce this much-needed expansion to our team,” said Harrison Township Fire Department. “This will significantly improve our staffing model and make us more effective in providing emergency services.”
In addition to the new firefighter positions, the department is also working on plans to introduce a third medic to its fleet in the near future. This move comes in response to instances where multiple medical emergencies require simultaneous attention.
The department expressed appreciation, saying, “We are extremely thankful for the trust and backing we receive from the people we serve. This growth would not be possible without them. We invite everyone to stop by and meet our new staff members: Colton Ward, Mason McFarland, and Perry Helby.”
The announcement comes after a record-setting year for the fire department in 2024. The department responded to 2,826 calls for service, a significant increase from previous years. Of those, 662 were fire-related, and 2,164 were EMS calls, marking a dramatic 76.6% of the total calls related to emergency medical services. This is notably higher than the national average of 65.1% for EMS calls.
The department’s daily average for 2024 was 7.72 calls per day, surpassing the previous year’s average of 7.5 calls per day and the 6.11 calls per day in 2020. This marks the second consecutive year that the department has responded to more than 200 calls every month.
The department serves a wide area, covering 127 square miles across five townships and three villages. For the first time in 2024, the fire department responded to at least one call for service in every township or village each month. The Village of Ashville saw the highest number of calls, with 986 incidents, and the department expects that number to exceed 1,000 in 2025, given the area’s population growth.
In addition to traditional fire and EMS responses, the department also saw a high number of motor vehicle collisions, particularly in Harrison Township, which accounted for 79 incidents. Walnut Township recorded the highest number of fires within the district, with 24 reported. For the first time, the department also tracked lift assists, helping to identify trends and provide targeted public education to prevent falls.
With these new staffing changes, ongoing growth, and an unwavering commitment to community safety, the Harrison Township Fire Department is well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality emergency services in the year ahead.
