At 1130 hours M-101 and UTV-101 responded to the bike path near Lambs Lane for an injured bicyclist. UTV-101 is a multi-versatile unit that is used for search and rescue, brush fires, and in this case to gain access to injured people on the bike path. The injured person was loaded onto UTV-101 and moved to Swans Road and transferred to M-101 for transport to the hospital. UTV-101 then returned to the scene and transported the bicycle to a safe location.
- Photo courtesy of Madison Township Fire Rescue
A Little Help from Their Friends
A-Shift’s busy day persisted, with a dispatch to the 2500 block of Cable Road for a single-vehicle MVA into a power pole. We would like to express our appreciation to an AWP Safety employee, who stopped to provide traffic control assistance while commuting home.
- Photo courtesy of American Township FD
Coshocton County FDs Unite for Water Rescue Training
On July 26, 2025, at 1000 hours, the Walhonding Valley Fire Department hosted a water rescue training session in Coshocton, Firefighters from Conesville, Three Rivers and Jackson Township joined the effort, launching their boats from a ramp on County Road 271 near the local sewage plant. The training focused on ensuring the boats were in top condition and helping newer firefighters gain experience with water rescue operations. Coshocton
Up Close & Personal
County is home to three rivers — the Walhonding and Tuscarawas, which merge in the city of Coshocton to form the Muskingum River. With so much water in the area, these skills are vital for public safety. The Walhonding Valley Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary supported the event by providing lunch and water for the participants.
- Fire News photos by Jim McKeever
Firefighters from Thorn Township Fire & EMS. - Photo courtesy of Thorn Twp. Fire & EMS
Firefighters from American Township Fire Department. - Photo courtesy of ATFD
4 New Medic Units for Cleveland
Firefighter Mike Anderson of Medic 17 in Price Hill stands beside a new Cincinnati Horton Medic Unit that went into service recently. In total, four new medic units were placed into service in Price Hill, Corryville, Downtown and Westwood.
- Photos courtesy of CFD
That’s a Lot of Hose
The Hinckley Fire Department performed their annual hose testing recently to guarantee that all hoses on their apparatus and in storage were functioning correctly and undamaged. After completing all testing, we will have successfully tested 8,250 feet of hose line.
- Photos courtesy of Hinckley FD
Cleveland Settles Contract as of April 1, 2025
Mayor Justin M. Bibb held a press conference at Cleveland Fire Headquarters to announce that the City and the Union have come to a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract that will offer numerous employee-oriented benefits — including a 21-percent overall pay increase — for first-grade firefighters of the Cleveland Division of Fire. Union members voted to approve the agreement which went into effect April 1, 2025, following full execution of the contract and city council approval.
The new agreement:
• Implements an automatic 12 percent parity salary increase, retroactive to April 1, 2025.
• Provides an additional 9 percent base-wage increase over the three-year contract.
• Reduces the required service time to qualify for additional vacation hours.
• Maintains health insurance premiums for families and individuals, with no increases in 2025.
• Memorializes Engine 2, officializing water emergency response capabilities.
• Introduces an additional position for water suppression and boat rescue operations.
“Firefighters are the guardians of our communities, serving as a critical component to the City of Cleveland ‘All-of-government’ safety approach,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “This agreement represents a significant step in strengthening the safety for our communities, ensuring competitive compensation for our members, and reaffirming our support to those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.”
The RISE Initiative has delivered one of the most significant investments in the City of Cleveland’s history, aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting first responders, and building safer, more resilient neighborhoods. Through Mayor Bibb’s RISE Initiative, the City of Cleveland has successfully:
• Invested in modern resources, equipment, training, and technology to enhance public safety services.
• Partnered with community organizations and public safety professionals, building stronger relationships and safer neighborhoods.
• Enforced policies promoting transparency, accountability, and trust between residents and first responders. - Photos courtesy of CFD
CFD Local 48 Teams up With Bengals Karras
Recently, the Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48 teamed up with Bengals Center Ted Karras to launch the first-ever Cincinnati Fire Department Cincy Hat. Ted stopped by Station 46 a little more than a week ago to meet with our firefighters, tour the station, and speak on the impact of this partnership. Proceeds from every hat sold will benefit The Cincinnati Firefighter Charitable Fund - a nonprofit created and led by Cincinnati firefighters that supports our own who have been injured in the line of duty, along with their families. This limited-edition hat will be an official part of the CFD uniform throughout the month of September.
- Photos courtesy of CFD
Tribute
Remembering Cadet Symeon Williams, Sr.
The Cleveland Fire Department paid respects to the memory of Cadet Symeon S. Williams Sr., who tragically passed away during training at the Cleveland Fire Training Academy. His family attended the 40th graduation on recently, where they received a badge, helmet, plaque, and other tokens of appreciation and honor.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Symeon carried this city in his soul. He knew its streets, its people, its struggles — and he loved it fiercely. That love fueled his pursuit to become a firefighter, a calling that reflected his deepest values: selflessness, courage, and commitment to others.
Though he didn’t get to graduate from the Firefighters Academy, Symeon had already proven himself in every way that mattered. His time as an EMT revealed his purpose: to respond when others were in
need, to be a steady hand in moments of crisis, and to serve the community he cherished with everything he had.
But Symeon’s greatest role wasn’t found in a uniform — it was found in his family. As a father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, he lived his values every day. He adored his two sons, and through his example, he showed them that anything is possible with faith, preparation, and hard work. They were his motivation. His family was his foundation.
Symeon’s journey reminds us that legacy isn’t measured by titles or ceremonies—it’s measured by the lives we touch, the love we give, and the principles we stand for. He lived with purpose. He served with honor. And he loved without limits.
We honor Symeon not just for what he hoped to become, but for who he already was. A protector. A servant. Our hero.
- Photos courtesy of The Williams Family & CFD
Fayette Twp’s Ken Blevins
On July 10, 2025, funeral services were held for Fayette Township Safety Offices Ken Blevins who passed away on July 3, 2025. He was 89-years old.
Mr. Blevins was a lifetime member of Fayette Twp Fd with 55 years of service. He was deeply respected and admired for his unwavering commitment to safety, his wealth of knowledge and his generous spirit.
His presence will be sorely missed by all who had to pleasure of knowing and working with him.
