Fire department reports apparatus repairs, while police discuss festival safety, Marine Patrol and e-bike concerns
VERMILION — Vermilion’s fire and police chiefs updated City Council on equipment, training and safety planning during the June 1 Health and Safety Committee meeting.
Fire Chief Bill Brown said the Vermilion Fire Department responded to 40 calls in May, bringing the department to about 157 calls so far this year. Brown said May was the department’s busiest month of the year so far, though he described most of the calls as smaller incidents.
A major part of the fire report focused on apparatus.
Brown said Engine 81, which has been discussed for nearly a year because of corrosion concerns, was inspected at Custom Metal Works in Norwalk. The chief said the damage to the actual frame did not appear to be as severe as originally feared, though the department is still waiting for a final determination from Pierce, the manufacturer of the truck.
The department still believes the issue may be connected to Pierce, Brown said, but the city is also getting quotes for possible repair work.
The truck is about 20 years old, but Brown said the department would still expect more service life from it if repairs are possible.
The chief also discussed Engine 94, the department’s main engine, which is being evaluated by Elite Fire Apparatus. Brown said the truck has had a long list of minor issues following a previous accident, and the department is working to better understand past maintenance work.
Brown said the department does not expect to replace the entire truck. He said the repair cost should not exceed $50,000, and the department expects the truck to remain useful for years once repairs are completed.
Council members asked whether the equipment issues create a risk for the city. Brown said the department remains in good shape for coverage, noting the city still has other engines and a tanker available.
The city’s new ladder truck is also moving forward. Brown said he and other department representatives recently attended a pre-construction meeting in Hilliard and spent several hours reviewing specifications for the truck.
The original delivery estimate was December 2027, but the chief said the truck may arrive sooner.
Training and EMS staffing
Brown also highlighted department training.
One firefighter recently completed heavy rescue training at the Ohio Fire Academy and rope rescue technician training through Cuyahoga Community College. Brown said the department now has five personnel trained to the technician level and others trained to the operations level.
The chief said he also participated in an active shooter drill with Sandusky Fire Department, with the scenario taking place at Cedar Point. Brown said the drill showed expected challenges, including communications issues between agencies.
He said Vermilion firefighters have also received active threat integrated response training, which is used by many police, fire and EMS agencies in Lorain County.
Brown said the department currently has three paramedics and 13 EMTs. Two EMTs are nearly finished with paramedic programs, which he said will benefit the department.
Council also asked about the EMS study that began last year. Brown said he recently spoke with the person overseeing the study and was told it is being completed. The chief said he hopes the city will receive a more definitive answer within the next month or two.
Police training and Fish Festival planning
Police Chief Scott Holmes said the Vermilion Police Department is also focused on training during its leadership transition.
Holmes said all Vermilion officers completed annual defensive tactics and Taser recertification training in April. Officers also recently completed firearms range training and qualifications.
The department submitted documentation to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission for continuing professional training credits, Holmes said. He said that benefits the city because it allows reimbursement for officer training hours.
The chief also said officers have completed or attended several other trainings, including field training officer training, radar and laser instructor training, crisis intervention training and advanced defensive tactics instructor training.
Holmes said he and Capt. Jim Graham also attended the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police annual training conference.
The police department has also met with the Fish Festival Safety Committee and the chamber to discuss safety plans for the upcoming festival.
Holmes said the department will release information about parade and fireworks road closures, along with temporary no-parking areas that are typical during festivals and parades.
One change this year is the parade time. Holmes said the Fish Festival parade will begin at noon, with roads along the parade route closing at 11:30 a.m., about 30 minutes earlier than usual.
The chief encouraged anyone coming into town for the festival to arrive early to avoid the road closures.
Marine Patrol and e-bike concerns
Holmes said the department’s Marine Patrol unit is operating for boating season. The unit assisted with security as the USS Cleveland passed from Vermilion toward Cleveland, joining the law enforcement escort before breaking off near Avon Point.
The Marine Patrol also offers courtesy vessel safety inspections, Holmes said. Boat owners can stop the Marine Patrol on the river or at the ramp, or call the police station to request an inspection at their dock.
The inspections help make sure boats have proper safety equipment. Boat owners who pass receive a sticker for the year.
Council also discussed concerns about e-bikes and scooters, especially younger riders traveling quickly through town without helmets.
One council member said he saw several young riders during the end of the school year, including some riding two people on one scooter and moving quickly along sidewalks.
Holmes said the department is working on public information explaining different classifications of e-bikes and what rules apply to each. The chief said some types may require a driver’s license, insurance or registration.
“We are seeing a lot of e-bikes in town, which is great, but we want to make sure everyone is safe and that people understand the laws and regulations associated with those,” Holmes said.