Fire Department

Mission

“The Mission of the Jerusalem Township Fire / Rescue Department is to provide the residents of Jerusalem Township and surrounding areas with a quality of service that promotes a feeling of well being thru education and service. ”

General Information

Service Area

The Jerusalem Township Fire and Rescue Department serves the community of Jerusalem Township, Lucas County, Ohio. With a total population of over 3,000, the department covers over 265 square miles with 30 square miles of land and 235 square miles of water. The department also serves the unincorporated communities of Bono and Curtice. The Jerusalem Township Fire / Rescue Department also provides mutual aid services for Allen Clay Joint Fire District, Carroll Township Fire / EMS and the City of Oregon Fire Department.

Becoming a Member

Joining the Jerusalem Township Fire / Rescue Department is a serious commitment that requires maturity, responsibility and dedication. Becoming a member of the department also requires training, both as a Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Ohio. An individual must also be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma/GED, pass a background check, pass an extensive medical examination, face both a Fire Administration interview, and be approved by the Township Trustees. Any new member is a probationary member until certain criteria are met.

Recruitment Information

Department History

The Jerusalem Township Fire Department started service to the community in 1944 but was officially incorporated by the State of Ohio in 1949. Back then, members of the department were volunteers, receiving little to no monetary gain from the service they provided. Its original name was the Jerusalem Township Volunteer Fire Department. Early pictures as seen below indicate that members of the department came from all walks of life and were employed through the community as outstanding members.

Along with the members serving, the original fire station started with only two bays but has grown significantly since then with a complete remodel and renovation following the growth in technology and the times of the fire service. As indicated below you can an early photo of the original station and a photo during the bi-centennial in 1976. Our current station still incorporates the original brick two bay station with the front glass doors being the most eastern bay door. Over the years, the department has grown in membership, service to our community in response to calls and most obvious equipment. An early photo of a 1935 Reo truck converted into a fire engine indicates how crude the fire service was back in the beginning. Since then the technology and training have increased dramatically showing significant changes in the vehicles used. The fire department originally responded to fire calls but over time has taken on the role of responding to medical related calls, since the mid-1960’s, the department has started initially transporting patients to the hospital evolving into modern day emergency medical service.

Service to the community does not come without a cost. On October 17, 1976, while responding to a structure fire on Lyons and Jerusalem Road, 1st. Assistant Chief John T. Kennedy died in the line of duty when a wall collapsed during the course of the fire. His unselfish service will never be forgotten.

Fireman’s Prayer

When I’m called to duty god
wherever flames may rage
give me strength to save a life
whatever be its age

Help me to embrace a little child
before it is too late
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate

Enable me to be alert
to hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out

I want to fill my calling and
to give the best in me
to guard my neighbor and
protect his property

And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife

Fire and Life Safety

Ohio Fire Laws

Recreational Fires – the Ohio Fire Code defines recreation fires as: An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

Consumer Fireworks Discharge

What rules apply to the use of 1.4G fireworks by consumers?
Ohio Revised Code (R.C.)§ 3743.45 (as effective July 1, 2022) and Ohio Fire Code (OFC) § 5626(effective July 3, 2022) apply and can be read in their entirety via the links provided and attached document. Relevant OFC provisions outline how 1.4G consumer fireworks must be used and stored by consumers. Some provisions in the rules include:

No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
Persons under the age of 18 cannot be within 150 feet of the discharge point of aerial fireworks.
Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators (this includes aerial shells, roman candles, cakes, and bottle rockets).
Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators (this includes fountains, firecrackers, and ground effect devices).

Note: These separation distances – for both aerial and non-aerial devices – are increased for certain types of locations such as hospitals, schools, healthcare and residential facilities, apartment and multi-tenant buildings, military installations and railroads.

No person can store in excess of 125 pounds (net weight of pyrotechnic composition) of fireworks unless they have additional safety measures and safeguards in place for such storage.
Fireworks cannot be discharged indoors.
Fireworks cannot be aimed at or discharged toward any person or object (such as buildings).
Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property or private school property.
Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or in an area where a red flag warning is in place or other weather hazard exists.
Fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of property housing livestock unless 5 days advance written notice is provided to the owner of the property where the livestock is housed.

In addition, relevant R.C. provisions state that no person can negligently use fireworks while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance. A person who violates this is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor.

What are some safety tips for the discharge of fireworks?
Fireworks are extremely dangerous – so, please be safe and follow basic safety protocols. Each year, thousands of people are injured in fireworks-related incidents and sadly, many die as a result. In addition, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year resulting in extensive damage to structures, vehicles, and property. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following guidelines for safety:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
Never light fireworks indoors.
Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable material.
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby to fully douse fireworks that don’t discharge or in case of fire.

Where can Ohioans buy fireworks?
Only fireworks purchased in Ohio may be discharged in Ohio. Consumers may purchase fireworks from any of the licensed sales locations throughout the state. When purchasing fireworks, the retailer must provide consumers with safety glasses (for free or at a nominal charge) and with a safety pamphlet.

Reflective Address Mailbox Marker

Reflective Address Marker Order Form Fillable (requires Adobe pdf)

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I open burn in the Township?

Recreational burning is allowed in the State of Ohio. Please review the section under Ohio Fire Laws for the Ohio Administrative Code for more details.

Who do I call for down utility or power lines?

Contact the Lucas County dispatch non-emergency number, (419) 243-5111 to report down lines, if the down lines present an immediate danger, always call 911.

How is the Fire Department funded?

The Department is funded by the fire levy placed on the ballot for approval of the voters of the Township.

How many calls does the Department handle on average in a year?

On average the Department handles between 350-400 calls each year with the trend of calls increasing year by year. The majority of our calls are EMS related calls, next with Fire, and water rescue, mutual aid, and weather related emergencies.

Are fireworks illegal?

It is legal to purchase fireworks in the State of Ohio and discharge them but the during specific times. See attached resource or below:

Unless further limited by local jurisdictions, Ohioans can discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks only from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. (unless otherwise specified) on the following dates:

July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays immediately preceding and following July 4
Labor Day weekend (1st Monday in September and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday)
Diwali
New Year’s Eve (4 p.m.-11:59 p.m.)
New Year’s Day (also 12 a.m.-1 a.m.)
Chinese New Year
Cinco de Mayo
Memorial Day weekend (last Monday in May and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday)
Juneteenth (June 19)

How do I know if my smoke or CO detector is good and working properly?

Press and hold the test button on the smoke or CO detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace your batteries. Most detectors have a life to them and should be replaced per the instructions provided. At no point should you paint or cover the detector.

Can I request the Fire Department help fill my pool or pond?

Because of liability to the Department and owner of the pool or pond, the department is unable to assist with such a request. Many businesses locally exist specifically to help with such requests

General Fire Safety and Prevention Tips

General Life Safety Tips

Community Provided Services

Fire

Seen by most of our community as the reason for the Department’s existence along with the most noticeable vehicles in service today are tied to fighting fires. Our calls range from grass and brush type fires, residential and commercial structure fires along with agriculture and recreational incidents. All Department members have at least the minimum certification set by the State of Ohio with many having more advanced training.

EMS

Members of the Fire / Rescue Department are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics in the State of Ohio. We provide EMS services to our residents and mutual aid with two primary EMS Medic vehicles along with additional resources in our Engines and command vehicles. Training and continuing education are provided through the department to satisfy local administration and state requirements.

Water Rescue / Dive Team

The Jerusalem Township Fire / Rescue Department maintains readiness for many different types of water rescue situations including on the lake and from inland water sources. The department has trained personnel in diving and ice rescue. We are fortunate as a department to have a separate dive truck, water rescue trailer, air boat and two shallow water rescue boat.

New Resident Safety Program

Vehicle and Apparatus Capabilities

Medic 31

1997 Freightliner / Horton
Advanced and Basic Life Support Equipped
Onboard Electric Hydraulic Extrication Tools
Portable Generator and Light Vacuum Back Board and Scoop Stretcher

Medic 32

2017 Ford / Road Rescue 4×4
Advanced and Basic Life Support Equipped
Portable Generator and Light
Portable Generator and Light Vacuum Back Board and Scoop Stretcher

Rescue Engine 31

2012 Pierce Commander
NFPA Compliant Four Person Crew First Out Response Engine
1500 GPM Pump / 1200 Gallon Water Tank
25 Gallon Class A Foam Pre-Connected
Hydraulic Rescue Tools / Lifting Air Bags
Stabilizing Struts / 1200 Pound Rescue Winch
3” Master Stream Deck Mounted Monitor

Engine 31

1988 Pierce Lance
NFPA Compliant Second Out Response Engine
1500 GPM Pump 1000 Gallon Water Tank
4000 Watt Generator / Vent Fans / Chain Saw
Hydraulic Accessed Ladders
16 Spare SCBA Bottles With 4 SCBA Packs

Water Tender 31

Dive 31

1996 Chevrolet Kodiak
Water Rescue Unit
Cable of Supporting a Three Driver Search Operation
All Dive Operations the Diver is Tethered and on Communication Supported by Tender
Equipped with Surface Supply System / Quick Deployment Rope Communication System
PFD’s / Mustang Rescue Suit / On Board Generator / IC Support Operation / USCG Communication

Brush 31

2020 Ram
Brush Wildland Off Road 4×4
175 GPM Pump With 200 Gallon Water Tank
Backup Tow Vehicle for Boats and Trailer
Wildland Tools
Provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ollie Halka Family Trust and the Jerusalem Township Fire Department Assoication

Utility 31

2003 Ford Excursion
IC Command Unit
BLS Response Equipment
Tow Vehicle for 16” Enclosed Trailer and Boat Trailers

Rescue Boat 31

2Tinga Rescue
16” Shallow Water Rescue Boat
40 HP Outboard and Trailer Deployed
Can Support Operations in Rivers, Lakes and Flooded Areas
Supports Dive Operations and Search Missions
Six Person Capacity

Marine 33

2002 26′ Boston Wahler
2 – 250 hp yamaha outboards
Deployed from Meinke West Marina
Supports Dive and Water Rescue Operations
Township responsibility of over 230 square miles of Lake

Rescue Boat 34

Air Boat
Two Engine Operated Hovercraft
One Engine Supports Lift, Second Engine Provides Thrust
Supports 900 LB Payload
Will Support Stokes Basket for Patient Transport

UTV 31

2017 John Deere Gator
4 x 4 with towing abilities
70 gallon wild land fire skid unit
Collapsible stokes basket for rescue

Special Operations Trailer

Used in conjunction with water rescues, special events and rescue incidents
Acts also as a mobile command post
Stores Rescue Boat 32
- 10 ‘Shallow Water Rescue Boat
- 9 HP Motor Can Carry and Drop Deployment
Can Support Dive and Search Operations for Ponds, Lakes, Floods, and Small Streams
Stores UTV 31

Voluntary Residential Inspection

Voluntary inspections of resident occupancies are provided to home owners at no cost to Township residents. Often a requirement is set for foster homes to have a health and safety inspection completed by the location jurisdiction having authority: other times the home owner has questions or concerns. Please contact the department directly to make specific arrangements.

Commercial Building Inspection

Chapter 1301 of the Ohio Fire Code, Version 2017 establishes rules and regulations pertaining to the enforcement of the Ohio Fire Code for commercial buildings within the Township. The purpose of the Ohio Fire Code and the responsibility of the Fire Prevention Bureau is to ensure that health and life safety along with compliance to the Ohio Fire Code.