Draft:Canton Fire Department

The Canton Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the city of Canton, Ohio. The department is responsible for 26.17 sqmi with a population of 70,872 people as of the 2020 Census.

1822-1882
Established on July 22, 1822 as the all-volunteer Fire Company of Canton. Canton Fire Department is believed to be oldest fire department in northeast Ohio, Cleveland was established in 1829, Cuyahoga Falls in 1838, Newton Falls in 1839 and Akron in 1840.

In 1876, the department was reorganized and A. L. Dunbar became the first paid fire chief and in 1882 the Central Fire Station was built at 3rd Street SW and Court Avenue SW.

In 1883, the first paid fireman were hired: George Wolf as engineer, John Leininger as assistant engineer and Henry Newman.

Fire Station No. 1 or Engine House No. 1 or City Market House was constructed in 1882 at 239 Court Ave SW on the northwest corner of 3rd St SW and Court Ave SW (Present site of Canton City Hall at 218 Cleveland Ave SW)

1883-1908


Fire Station No. 2 was constructed in 1892 at 1022-1024 2nd St NE on the southwest corner of 2nd St NE and Gibbs Ave NE

Fire Station No. 3 was constructed in 1893 at 201 Navarre Rd SW on the northwest corner of Navarre Rd SW and Court Ave SW

Fire Station No. 4 was constructed in 1893 at 504 10th St NW (Now 500 10th St NW) on the southwest corner of 10th St NW and Dewalt Ave NW

Fire Station No. 5 was constructed in 1893 at 201 Dueber Ave SW on the southwest corner of 2nd St SW and Dueber Ave SW

Fire Station No. 6 was constructed in 1901 at 601 8th St NE on the northeast corner of 8th St NE and Thompson Ct SE (Present site of 515 11th St SE)

Fire Station No. 7 was constructed in 1907 at 2001 Mahoning Rd NE on the corner of Mahoning Rd NE and Harrisburg Rd NE and went into service on August 2nd 1907.

Fire Station No. 8 was constructed in 1907 at 1828 15th St SW on the southeast corner of 15th St SW and Dueber Ave SW

A new Fire Station No. 1 or Central Fire Station was constructed in 1908 at the same location as the previous station and was combined with the Police Department.

1912-1935
In 1912, the Canton Fire Department received it's first motorized apparatus. By 1916 the Canton Fire Department had became a fully motorized fire department.

In 1919, 3rd Ward Councilman Curtis Harter discussed the erection of a new fire station in the northeast section of the city of Canton to provide better fire protection to the fast developing area. In August 1919, city council authorized the erection of a new fire station for the cost of $26,000 in bonds and Architect Charles B. Firestone submitted specifications and plans for the station. The contract was issued to E. J. Landor Co. of Canton at a cost of $30,705 in November 1919.

In 1921, Station No. 2 was constructed at 2000 3rd Street NE.

In December 1921, old Station No. 2 was leased as an automobile repair shop.

In January 1924, Chief Robert O. Mesnar recommended erecting a new fire station on the west side of the city after reporting that in 1922 the loss of fire was a total of $361,925.

On January 8, 1929 an ordinance was passed authorizing two additional Assistant Chief positions at the Central Fire Station to be in charge of all 3 platoons.

In January 1929, it was recommended that a new Station No. 4 be erected north of 18th St NW and old Station No. 4 be razed for a new Alarm headquarters.

In February 1929, after annexation near Harter School it was recommended that Station No. 5 be moved more west to cover the annexed area.

In May 1929, city officials traveled to Dayton, Ohio to inspect fire stations and equipment used by the fire and police signalling by the Dayton Fire Department for a new Station No. 4 and the new Alarm Headquarters. City Council passed an ordinance on May 20, 1929 for $58,000 to erect the new alarm headquarters.

On June 27, 1929 Mayor C. C. Curtis vetoed the ordinance and stated "It is not good business to tear down a good fire station and erected a new building for the alarm system, at an expenditure of $20,000, necessitating the purchase of another site and paying for the erection of a new station. A total of $50,000 to $60,000 would be saved the taxpayers if the present signal building was moved to another site."

In April 1930, it was decided between the northeast of 25th St NW and Cleveland Ave on the county farm or the southwest corner of 19th St NW and Cleveland Ave NW

In 1931, a new Station No. 4 and Station No. 5 were constructed. Station No. 4 was constructed at 2502 Cleveland Avenue NW. Station 5 was constructed at 3701 Tuscarawas Street West. Upon the completion of new Station No. 4, the Police and Fire Alarm Headquarters was located at the old Station No. 4 at 504 10th St NW (Now 500 10th St NW).

During the depression years the fire department had reduced it's manpower from 101 to 78 and closed 3 fire stations. When the economy began to bounce back slowly, the manpower was increased to 85 in 1935.

1941-1967
During World War II, the department had a manpower of 108 firefighters and 168 auxiliary firefighters.

In 1943, Station No. 9 was opened at the coroner of 19th Street NE and Market Ave N at 1840 Market Ave N.

In May 1949, the Fire Prevention Bureau was established with Captain Kenneth Ash in charge and he was assisted by firefighter Robert T. Wilson.

On December 1, 1949, an office for the bureau were completed at Station No. 2.

In 1950, Karl Lehr joined the bureau and all 3 were sent to the Ohio State University for fire inspector school.

In 1959, the Canton Fire Department erected a new Station No. 1 or Central Fire Station at 110 7th St SW in downtown Canton. The Canton Fire Department also began providing ambulance services to the City of Canton. Previously the Canton Police Department had provided ambulance services since 1942. The fire department operated one ambulance until 1967.

On September 16 1965, Engine 10 was established at Station No. 4 and utilized a 1937 Ahrens-Fox as their apparatus.

In 1967, new Station No. 6 was opened at 2621 Harmont Ave NE to provide more coverage to the city. The fire department also received a second ambulance in 1967 that was placed in reserve in case it was needed.

1968-1997
The need for a Fire Academy was recognized by Captain Thomas V. Kilcullen and Fire Chief Lorain E. Waddell and on April 7, 1971 the Canton Fire Department's Fire Training Academy was established. Captain Kilcullen was promoted to Assistant Chief on August 17, 1971 and organized the Fire Training Academy as the Training Director. The Fire Training Academy was located at Station No. 5.

In 1973, a new Station No. 7 was constructed at 1001 Mahoning Rd NE (Now The O'Jays Pkwy NE). Old Station No. 7 was in a deplorable condition.

On February 12, 1974 the Fire Training Academy moved from Station No. 5 to Station No. 7 where there was more room.

In 1974, a new Station No. 3 was constructed at 1430 Cherry Ave S that replaced old Station No. 3 located at 201 Navarre Rd SW.

On October 7th, 1975 Captain William Jordy was among the first Canton Firemen to be enrolled in a new "Paramedic Training Program".

In January 1976, Firemen started in the first Paramedic Class at Aultman Hospital. By May 1976, 16 were trained paramedics and had their "first save" of a GSW victim on May 2nd 1976.

In 1978 after land was donated by The Timken Company, a new Station No. 8 was constructed at 1330 Dueber Ave SW.

In 1982, Station No. 10 was opened at 4632 Vernon Avenue NW in Market Heights establishing Engine 10.

In 1985, the position of Operations Captain was created.

On February 21, 1998 the position of EMS Captain and Safety Officer were created. The EMS Captain was assigned to operations and was a coordinator for all emergency medical services for the fire department and the Safety Officer was assigned to fire suppression.

In 1994, Medic 1 was established until October 1996 moving to Medic 7 and then Medic 2.

On November 9, 1994 the City of Canton Hazardous Materials Team was disbanded and was reorganized as the Stark County Hazardous Materials Team.

In 1997, the Canton Fire Department celebrated it's 175th anniversary since it's incorporation in 1822. On October 12, 1997 new Station No. 2 was opened. Truck 8 was moved to Station No. 1 becoming Truck 1. An engine was moved to Station No. 8, establishing Engine 8. Station No. 3 was closed, leading to the disbanding of Engine 3.

2000-2014
In December 2002, Medic 8 was moved to Station No. 1 as Medic 1.

In 2003, Engine 8 was moved to Station No 1. as Engine 1 and Truck 1 was moved to Station No. 8 as Truck 8.

In 2004, Engine 1 was only open for 20 days and was permanently closed on March 15, 2004 due to manpower shortage.

In June 2004, Engine 6 became the first Advanced Life Support engine company.

In June 2005, Engine 5 became the second Advanced Life Support engine company.

In 2005 Walmart provided two $1,000 grants to the Canton Fire Department which was used to purchase a inflatable boat, a motor and rescue equipment and in 2006 the Canton Fire Department Water Rescue Team was established.

In November 2006, Medic 1 was moved back to Station No. 8 as Medic 8.

In May 2007, Truck 1 was reopened along with Rescue 1 which was an Advanced Life Support company.

In 2007, Engine 2 became a Advanced Life Support engine company.

On May 30 2009, The Canton Fire Department suffered it's first Line of Duty Death in over 40 years on when Captain James "Marty" Hall suffered from a cardiac event while representing the Canton Fire Department in a charity basketball tournament at the J Babe Stearn Community Center. Captain Hall was Canton's 7th Line of Duty Death since the organization of the Canton Fire Department in 1822.

In 2010 due to manpower shortages, combination companies were established to provide both fire suppression and emergency medical services. Medic 1B, Engine 2/Medic 22, Engine 4/Medic 44, Engine 5/Medic 55, Engine 6/Medic 66, Engine 7/Medic 77, Engine 8/Medic 88, Engine 10/Medic 10 were all organized as a result of the combination companies.

In 2010, the Stark County Hazardous Materials Team was located at Station No. 2.

In 2011, historic Station No. 4 was razed upon the completion of new Station No. 4 at 2502 Cleveland Avenue NW. With the opening of new Station No. 4, Truck 9 was moved to Station 4 and re-designated as Truck 4. Station 9 was closed in late 2011.

On November 1, 2012, the position of Safety Officer was eliminated due to the city's financial crisis.

In 2012, there were 3 medic units, 1 combination company at Station No. 10 and Medic 1B was moved to Station No. 2 as Medic 2B.

In 2012, Truck 1 was moved to Station No. 8 as Truck 8 and replaced Engine 8 and became an Advanced Live Support truck company. Engine 4 was closed.

2014-Present
In 2014, Engine 10 and Medic 10 were permanently closed due to manpower shortage. The Fire Prevention Bureau occupied Station No. 10 following the closure of both Engine 10 and Medic 10.

In 2021, Fire Chief Thomas Garra retired on March 2 and Division Chief Kwameshallahu Akbar Bennett was promoted to Fire Chief on April 26 and became Canton's first black Fire Chief in it's almost 200 years of service.

In July 2022, the Canton Fire Department celebrated it's bicentennial, showcasing 200 years of service to the City of Canton.

Organization
The Canton Fire Department organization includes a Fire Chief, Division Chief, Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Firefighters, and Mechanics. Personnel are assigned to either Operations or Fire Suppression.

Operations

The Fire Chief, Division Chief, Chief's Clerk, EMS Captain, Training Captain, Fire Prevention Bureau, Bureau of Apparatus Repairs and are assigned to Operations.

Fire Suppression

3 Battalion Chiefs oversee separate battalions or shifts. Each battalion has 7 stations, 5 engine companies (including a combination company), 2 truck companies, 5 medic units (including a combination company), and a Technical Rescue and Operations Team that includes Water Rescue. The Canton Fire Department utilizes the Stark County Hazardous Materials Team as well.

Stations and apparatus
below is a list of all stations and apparatus used by the Canton Fire Department.

The following stations/companies have been closed.


 * Engine 1 - Closed permanently in 2004 due to manpower shortage.


 * Truck 1 - Closed in 2012, transferred to Truck 8.


 * Medic 1 - Closed permanently in 2006, transferred to Medic 8.


 * Engine 3 - Station 3, Engine 3 closed permanently in 1997 after new Station 2 was constructed.


 * Ladder/Truck 7 - Closed in the 1980s after restructuring.


 * Engine 8 - Closed in 2012 after Truck 8 transferred from Truck 1.


 * Truck 9 - Station 9, Truck 9 closed permanently in 2011 after new Station 4 was constructed, transferred to Truck 4.


 * Engine 10 - Closed permanently in 2014 due to manpower and budget shortage. Fire Prevention Bureau occupies Station 10.


 * Medic 10 - Closed permanently in 2014 due to manpower and budget shortage. Fire Prevention Bureau occupies Station 10.

Disbanded Fire Companies
Since the organization of the Canton Fire Department in 1822 there has been various fire companies that were formed to establish the Canton Fire Department. The following are no longer in service.

Volunteer fire companies that utilized hand drawn fire engines

Phoenix Fire Company - Organized 26 September 1835

Fairmount Fire Company - Organized 26 September 1835

Rescue Fire Company No. 1 - Organized 1855, located at the northeast corner of Polar and Eighth

Washington Fire Company No. 2 - Organized 1856, located at the northeast corner of Poplar and Eighth.

Stark Fire Company No. 3 - Organized 1857, located at the southwest corner of Fifth and Walnut.

Hook and Ladder Companies

The first hook and ladder company was organized under an ordinance passed on 2 January 1860 that provided a company of 20 to 30 men.

Robinson Hook and Ladder Company - Organized 1878,

Hand drawn Hose Companies

The usage of hose carts led to the organization of Canton's first hose companies around 1859 with Hose Company No. 3 being established to accompany Stark Fire Company No. 3 to fires.

Hose companies

Rescue Hose Company No. 1

Washington Hose Company No. 2

Wideawake Hose Company No. 3

Washington Hose Company No. 4

Steamer Hose Company No. 5 - Organized in 1868

Eagle Hose Company No. 6

Relief Hose Company No. 7

Buckeye Hose Company No. 8

Horse drawn Fire Companies

Canton No. 1 "Schaefer" - Organized 3 May 1868

Line of Duty Deaths
Since the establishment of the Canton Fire Department in 1822, there have been 8 firefighters who died in the line of duty.

Fire Chiefs
Since the Canton Fire Department became a paid department in 1876 there has been 17 Fire Chiefs

Awards and Recognition
The Canton Fire Department has various awards and recognition that may be bestowed upon it's personnel.

Medals

The Canton Fire Department presently awards the following medals to personnel through the Awards Committee.

Medal of Valor

Medal of Commendation

Firefighter of the Year

Recipients

1975: Captain Bill Jordy

1976: Captain Richard Dietz

1977: Captain Thomas KilCullen

1978: Firefighter Wayne Nelson

1979: Firefighter John Ross

1980: Firefighter Larry Davis

1981: Assistant Chief Thomas Wayne

1982: Captain Jerry Snyder

1983: Firefighter Timothy McDermitt

1984: Captain Mark Hartzell

1985: Firefighter Michael Laign

1986: Firefighter Eric Shows

1987: Firefighter Raymond Harple

1988: Firefighter Gary Steinbach

1989: Firefighters John Galentine & William Murphy

1990: Firefighter Edward Schepp

1991: Captain Richard Fach

1992: Chief Charles Bunyan

1993: Captain Gary Dragomier & Firefighter Matt Boron

1994: Firefighter Paul Rebillot

1995: Captain John Killian

1996: Firefighter Richard Wilson

1997: Firefighter Steve Berry

1998: Firefighter Larry Davis

1999: Captain Michael Rodriques

2000: Captain Richard Sacco

2001: Captain Jeffrey Magee

2002: Firefighter Lonie Boone

2003: Captain James Hall & Firefighter William Welch

2004: Captain Raymond Bitting

2005: Captain Michael Urick

2006: Firefighter Jason Marshall

2007: Captains Vince Harris & Raymond Bitting & Firefighters Larry George, Bryan Byers, & Eric Dyrlund

2008: Firefighter Scott Ryter

2009: Firefighter Joseph Carafelli

2010: Firefighters William Matthews & Jason Brown

2011: Captains Kevin McCarthy, Charles Day, Daniel Reed & Steve Henderson

2012: Captain Carl Jordan

2013: Firefighter Lou Johnson

2014: Firefighters Ron Julio, Shawn Robinson, Thomas Todd & Frank Walters

2015: Firefighters Daniel Kinzler & Daniel Greer

2016: Captain Douglas Lewis

2017: Firefighter Justin Deierling

2018: Captain Cris Burkhardt

2019: Firefighter Jason Brown

2020: Captain Pat Bodnar

2021: Firefighter Scott Winkhart

2022: Firefighters Scott Tinlin, Jesse Butler, & Prince Anderson

2023: Captain Brian Hogan & Firefighters Eric Kennell and Eric Miller

Paramedic of the Year

Recipients

2016: Firefighter/Paramedics Brian Garber & Demetrius Butler

2018: Firefighter/Paramedics George Taylor & Daniel Lane

2019: Firefighter/Paramedic Benjamin Lasure

2020: Firefighter/Paramedics Brandon Miner & Joseph Polacek

2021:

2022: Firefighter/Paramedics Victoria Carafelli & Thomas Schafer

2023: Firefighter/Paramedics Blaize Bryan, Andrew Paster, Sammantha Hummel

Titles

Personnel of the Canton Fire Department can be recognized with the following titles.

Knights of Columbus Council 341's "Blue Coat" Award

Recipients

2008: Captain Charles Day

2010: Captain Michael Richmond

2017: Captain Raymond Friedmann

2018: Firefighter/EMT Deborah Dawson

2019: Captain Richard Sacco

2020: Captain Pat Bodnar

2021: Firefighter/Paramedic Tamara Wilkes

2022: Firefighter/Paramedic Jeffrey Haley

2023: Captain Derek Paige

2024: Retired Captain Michael Marlatt

Union Representation
The Canton Professional Firefighters Association (CPFFA) or Local 249 was founded in September 1922 and has represented the Canton Fire Department for over 100 years.

In 1977, the Canton Firefighters had two strikes due to the lack of having no contract with the City of Canton.