COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Columbia Township Fire Department is expanding to keep pace with rapid growth.
After moving from volunteer to part-time staffing, the township won a 2022 levy to hire its first full-time firefighter/paramedic and added three more full-time members in October 2024.
News 5 Cleveland reported that officials hired six additional full-time firefighters, including a part-time firefighter, with more than 20 years of service, who began work on Sept. 15.
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“We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve to protect the people in the community,” Fire Chief Ray Anthony said. “When we were totally volunteers, you just crossed your fingers and hoped someone would show up when the call came out.”
The hiring will allow staffing of two full-time and one part-time firefighter on each shift, with an administrative officer working 48 daytime hours per week.
Columbia Township is growing fast. Since 2010, the population has increased by more than 25%, with over 19% of that growth since 2020. Anthony said medical calls have also climbed — about 20% in recent years. New home developments are also increasing.
Anthony said the township has secured two parcels of land for potential new fire stations if growth warrants. He also hopes to add more full-time staff in the coming years.
