By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Delta Community Fire Department has seen an increase in its number of calls this past year. Some of these increases are due to providing services to other communities through Mutual Aid.
Chief Jeremy Gillen explained that these mutual aid calls have increased this past year. “We have been called for more mutual aid in the past year than ever before. Most of this is due to staffing struggles by surrounding departments.”
When asked how firefighting has changed in Delta and how manpower has been, Chief Gillen explained the following.
“The Delta Community Fire Department is always looking for future challenges and how to confront them. Recently, our fire district has seen many developments in the way of commercial businesses.”
“Over the last year, there has been an addition of over 3,000,000 square feet of commercial buildings constructed in Delta.”
“We are constantly training and planning for events in these types of spaces. Your Delta Firefighters are ready for the task at hand.”
“Our department is labeled a “Combination” department. Our department is staffed with two personnel 24/7, two part-time personnel from 7a-7p, a full-time Chief, and supplemented with over 25 paid-per-call personnel.”
“Our manpower has improved over the last year adding eight new paid-per-call personnel that respond to calls for service from home. These new paid-per-call personnel are an essential asset to the operation of the department.”
The Delta Fire Department has also added a therapy dog for the department. Tilly is a mini Goldendoodle who will be training for the next several months to become a recognized therapy dog.
She has been slowly introduced to the public so far but will be a full-time member of the staff by next spring.
Another big change taking place soon will be the addition of a new 75’ ladder truck. Recently, York Township Trustees approved the purchase of the truck that should be received in the Fall of 2024.
When asked what sets the Delta Fire Department apart, Chief Gillen explained that they have Swiftwater rescue capabilities, a boat rescue team and ice rescue capabilities.
These disciplines were created from the departments Dive team that was in operation during the mid 1980’s until 2016.
He also explained that Delta’s department style is “the backbone of the US fire service.” “Across the country, there are more volunteer and paid per call type departments than any other type of fire department.”
“In Ohio, only 12% of departments are “career” departments. The overwhelming majority of departments in Ohio are volunteer or combination style.”
Chief Gillen was also asked what the fire service means to him, to which he responded with the following. “Fulton County residents should be glad to know that there are dedicated first responders in each community that are there to help when the need arises.”
“Fulton County taxpayers support the mission of providing the best services possible in each community. We thank you for your support.”
Jacob can be reached at
jacob@thevillagereporter.com