Moving into 2025, I’m able to look back and see the positive steps the department took the previous year. Steps that lead forward…because if you aren’t moving forward, you’re going backward.
The two and half years I’ve been in Vermilion have been a whirlwind. I have met many wonderful people that, while not in safety services, have the same goal as I do and that is making this department and city better. The hospitality and care that has been expressed is sometimes overwhelming. Simple things such as being told that people appreciate the direction the department is going.
In terms of oversight, the department is blessed to be supported by our mayor and council, who, just like the department, want the best for Vermilion residents. Our Finance Director Amy Hendricks and her staff insure we are stewards of your tax money in the day-to-day operations. As year three of my tenure here approaches, I would be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude for the hospitality shown to me by city officials, residents and most importantly, the men and women of the Vermilion Fire Department. I’m most thankful for the men and women that comprise this department. As a small department, our members sacrifice time away from their families, hobbies and sometimes their full-time jobs. 2024 was the busiest ever, our roster was smaller than normal, and yet the firefighters and officers of this department continue to train and respond when needed. I am forever grateful for their dedication to serving the community that they live in.
As a city divided by county lines, our members continue to provide services to county-led teams from both Erie and Lorain County. Members participate in the Lorain County Hazardous Materials Team, as well as on the Erie County team, for which I am now the coordinator for the Erie County team. Additionally, VFD members who participate in the Lorain County Technical Rescue Team aided Lorain County communities involving water rescue, structural collapse, and rope rescue.
As the coordinator for the Lorain County Fire Chief’s Incident Management Team, or IMAT, we have built a strong partnership with other local agencies in planning our response to specialized events, such as large gathering events like Main Street’s “Ice-A-Fair”. That planning includes working together with our partners in law enforcement and EMS to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
We were so fortunate this year to receive a grant from the federal government to purchase new air packs for the department. This $302,000 grant is such a game-changer in terms of our finances for years to come. Future Vermilion Fire Chiefs can breathe a sigh of relief because of this grant.
Looking to the future, beyond 2025, the department will continue to study how we use our apparatus, which will help determine when they are to be replaced, or not. Many of these types of decisions are put into committees, made up of officers and firefighters to help determine the direction of THEIR department. As the chief, I fully believe in allowing the members to help shape the vision and plan for the future.
In closing, it is important for me to remain open and honest with you, our customers. We want to give you the best service possible, and our dedication to training reflects that. If you have questions, call me, text me (440-396-2415), email me (wbrown@cityofvermilionohio.gov) or stop at the Douglas Street station and ask me. The men and women of VFD are here for you.