By Aaron Knapp
Vermilion Township Fire Chief Frank Triana delivered a detailed and concerning report to the Township Trustees at a recent meeting, outlining the department’s current operational status and emphasizing a critical need for increased funding to sustain and improve services. Chief Triana’s report included a proposal to consider transitioning towards a full-time paramedic firefighter model, citing rising costs and the diminishing availability of volunteer personnel.
Chief Presents Monthly Report and Upcoming Expenses
Chief Triana began his report by detailing the fire and EMS runs for March 2025, noting 61 total runs, including one gas leak, 58 EMS calls, four motor vehicle crashes, three structure fires, one vehicle fire, and one commercial fire alarm. Year-to-date, the department has responded to 176 calls. He also informed the trustees that air packs would be tested in April and highlighted upcoming expenses requiring board approval next month, including hose and ladder testing (estimated $3,500-$4,000) and truck PMS and pump testing (estimated $10,000). Additionally, he mentioned the need for repairs to the fire bay garage door panels and the driveway.
Critical Need for Funding Discussion
The central focus of Chief Triana’s report quickly turned to the urgent need to discuss funding for the fire department. He explained that the current continuous 1.69 mill levy, bringing in approximately $224,000 annually plus EMS revenue, is no longer sufficient to cover the department’s increasing expenses, including truck maintenance, wages, and other operational costs. Chief Triana stated that the department has been relying on carryover funds, which are now dwindling.
“We need to look at where we’re at and where we want to take the fire department,” Chief Triana emphasized, framing it as a “residential decision” to potentially seek additional funding through a levy. He pointed out that the current funding level has remained largely the same since 2017 or 2018.
Proposal for Full-Time Paramedics
Chief Triana then presented a significant proposal: moving towards a three-paramedic firefighter full-time paid position. He estimated the annual cost for this at roughly $345,000, which would cover wages, benefits, pension, and uniforms. This model, he explained, would ensure 24/7/365 coverage with at least one full-time and one part-time responder on duty, a level of service not always achievable with the current part-time staffing relying on a shared pool with other Erie County departments.
Chief Triana suggested the trustees consider what a four-mill versus a five-mill levy would generate and the impact on homeowners, although he did not have those figures immediately available. He stressed that this was a proposal for the trustees and ultimately the residents to consider
Rising Equipment Costs Highlight Funding Urgency
The Chief also detailed the significant increase in the cost of fire and EMS equipment. He noted that a new engine now costs between $750,000 and $1 million, a new ambulance around $344,000, and even rescue tools and turnout gear have seen substantial price increases. He also mentioned the recurring costs of maintaining and replacing essential equipment like Scott Airpacks.
Changing Landscape of Volunteer Service
Chief Triana also addressed the changing nature of volunteer firefighting, echoing concerns about the declining availability of personnel who can readily respond to calls. He emphasized that the days of relying on volunteers who can drop everything, regardless of the time or situation, are largely gone, as many individuals now work multiple jobs. This shift further underscores the need to consider a more robust paid staffing model.
Annual Report Provided
Chief Triana also provided the trustees with the 2024 annual report for their review, offering to discuss it further at the current or next meeting.
Chief Triana’s detailed report painted a clear picture of the growing financial pressures facing the Vermilion Township Fire Department and his belief that a significant discussion about funding and the potential transition to a more full-time staffing model is crucial to ensure the department can continue to provide the level of service the community needs and deserves. The Lorain Daily will continue to follow this important discussion as it unfolds within the Vermilion Township leadership.
