History

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Margaretta Twp. Fire Department was organized in 1951 to provide fire protection for the residents of Margaretta Twp. and the Village of Castalia. In 1986 Emergency Medical Services were added to the departmental duties. In 1985, Advanced EMTs were added to the department and in 1989, a Paramedic level service was started.

The department responds to approximately 900 calls annually or about 2.5 calls per day. These calls include EMS, fire, rescue, and public service calls. The department covers about 52 sq. miles of territory that includes everything from heavy industry to rural farm property, as well as part of Sandusky Bay.

 

The department consists of a Chief, 2 Captains, and 2 Lieutenants with the remaining members being Firefighter/EMTs. All officers take a competitive test to attain their rank. The allowed membership is 40 members but averages around 20. We currently have 10 full-time Firefighter/Paramedics with the rest of the membership being part-time or paid-on-call.

 

The department is staffed 24/7, 365 days and consists of 3 platoons. Each shift is for 24 hours from 0700 one day to 0700 the following day and is known as the ‘California Shift’. Shift – on, off, on, off, on, off, off, off, off  

 

The department operates 2 pumpers, 1 tanker, 1 grass/brush unit, 2 ALS ambulances, 2 utility vehicles, 1 rescue boat and 1 special response trailer. All members are cross trained as firefighters and EMTs. Each new recruit must complete two state mandated courses. A Level 1 Fire course and a 130-hour basic EMT course must be completed within the first two years of becoming a member. All recruits are considered probationary until these courses are completed.

 

The Margaretta Firefighters Association is the social end of the department which consists of all members of the department. The Association is responsible for fund raising activities, social gatherings, and social functions.

 

The rewards of this job are priceless. You can experience no greater reward than helping your community in a time of need. Whether extinguishing a fire, helping an ill or injured person, or rescuing someone from entrapment or savings a human life, there is no greater reward!

 

The Margaretta Fire Department is proud of its members, its record, and its accomplishments. With your help, we will be able to reach our goals.​​​​​​