TOLEDO, Ohio — The city’s fire stations, which serve as the primary hubs for Toledo’s brave firefighters, are on track for critical repairs and upgrades in the coming months. On Tuesday, the Toledo City Council will review a proposal outlining plans to fund these improvements, which include repairs to roofs, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The Toledo Fire & Rescue stations are essential to the city’s emergency services, providing a home for firefighters during their 24-hour shifts. These stations, some of which have been in operation for decades, have reached a point where extensive repairs are required to ensure that they remain functional and comfortable for their occupants.
Deputy Chief Verdell Franklin of Toledo Fire & Rescue highlighted the importance of maintaining these facilities, particularly during the winter months when firefighters return from challenging emergency situations. “During the wintertime, if you run out of heat, or if one of those boilers goes down, you can’t come back from a fire and have the building be cold,” Franklin explained. The deputy chief stressed that the ability to warm up and recover after dangerous, physically demanding shifts is vital for the health and well-being of firefighters.
The city is requesting $250,000 to fund repairs to key systems at fire stations across Toledo. The focus will be on upgrading HVAC systems and replacing aging roofs. Some of these stations have been in service for decades, making repairs and replacements especially challenging. Franklin pointed to the fire station on Glendale and Detroit Avenue, built in 1931, as a prime example of the unique needs of Toledo’s fire stations. The HVAC system at this location, for example, requires a custom solution tailored to the specific demands of the station.
“This station has been operating for more than 90 years, and the HVAC system needs to be designed specifically for the building’s needs,” Franklin said. Once the repairs are approved, the city will proceed with a bidding process to secure contractors, which could take additional time.
In addition to the building repairs, the Toledo Fire & Rescue department is seeking $850,000 for new equipment and vehicles. However, due to supply chain delays, the city anticipates a long wait for new equipment. “It could take up to two years to receive our new vehicles and equipment,” Franklin noted. The department is urging the city council to approve the funding so that the purchasing process can begin as soon as possible.
The proposed funding request, totaling $1.1 million, is a crucial step in maintaining and modernizing Toledo’s fire stations and ensuring that firefighters have the resources they need to perform their jobs safely and efficiently. The City Council will discuss the proposal at its upcoming meeting, and a decision on the funding is expected soon.
As Toledo continues to grow and evolve, ensuring that fire stations are properly maintained and equipped remains a top priority for city leaders. The proposed repairs and new equipment will help ensure that firefighters are ready and prepared to face the challenges that come with serving the community.