By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Stryker Fire Department has been just as busy and active as the previous year when it comes to calls for service.
Call volumes have increased, although the calls are still the typical ones they normally see.
The number of required training hours has also increased in recent years. The department blended in a variety of topics to maintain interest while providing training opportunities to its staff of dedicated firefighters.
The 2023 completed training hours have increased on a year-to-date basis for the Stryker FD.
When it comes to staffing, there is always a need for it as the fire service can be a very rewarding and satisfying endeavor. Volunteer firefighters are hard to find as it takes a special calling and dedication to be one.
With the continued sharing of resources between local departments, through mutual aid agreements, brings greater abilities than most single departments have.
The departments primary response area is in Williams County and touches Fulton, Henry, and Defiance counties.
Equipment for grain rescue, cold water rescue, fast moving water rescue, hazardous material response, complex extrication, aerial trucks, tankers for water supply and much more, as well as additional firefighters trained in those various tasks are the resources surrounding Stryker FD.
“As the equipment costs and training requirements continue to increase along with more stringent codes and standards, coupled with a dwindling volunteer base, there may be a time in the future when this sharing of resources leads to discussions about combining resources to create joint departments or a countywide staffed fire district/department to meet and serve the needs of our communities with strategic placement of staffing and equipment resources.”
“Will this be an inevitable future for rural fire departments? Only time will tell, but for now we will continue to carry on in our time-honored tradition of local folks helping their neighbors in need,” said Assistant Chief Bob Sterling.
While most departments have similar equipment for protection of life and property, such as hoses, nozzles, and water, the Stryker Fire Department has nearly 10,000 gallons of water in their vehicles.
They also have Jaws and other extrication and rescue tools, including airbags, a variety of cordless tools, Cold Water rescue suits and accessories, Grain Bin rescue equipment, ropes and accessories, as well as other similar equipment that other departments have.
Assistant Chief Sterling stated that the fire service means a way to give back to the community as firefighters are there to help and assist when called to duty.
He would also like the people reading this to know that the department and its firefighters work hard to provide a needed service in a timely manner to the best of their abilities.
They are very proud of their members and their accomplishments, and they are thankful for everyone who supports them.
Renea can be reached at
renea@thevillagereporter.com