Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Services & Operations

When should I call 9-1-1 instead of calling the fire station directly?

You should call 9-1-1 any time an emergency exists or you need immediate assistance. This includes any medical related emergencies and non-injury lift assists. Please note, we are not able to give medical advice over the phone.

Regarding someone who has fallen and needs help back up but is not injured; we prefer you still call 9-1-1. The reason for this is you will be immediately be connected to a dispatcher. Firefighters may be out of the station for training or other calls and may not be here to answer the phone. By calling 9-1-1 a dispatcher will be able to send help immediately.
My smoke detector is going off but I do not smell smoke or see fire. What should I do?
I think I may be having a medical emergency. Can you give me advice over the phone?
What should I do if I am driving and see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens?
What hospitals does the Harrison Township Fire Department transport to?
The Harrison Township Fire Department Medical Director has approved the following hospitals for transport:

Berger Hospital (Ohio Health), Circleville

Mount Carmel Grove City (Trinity Health), Grove City

Mount Carmel East Hospital (Trinity Health), Columbus

Grove City Methodist Hospital (Ohio Health), Grove City

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus

Grant Medical Center (Ohio Health), Columbus

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus

Riverside Methodist Hospital (Ohio Health), Columbus

Mount Carmel St. Ann’s (Trinity Health), Westerville

Ohio State University East Hospital, Columbus

Doctors Hospital West, (Ohio Health) Columbus

Adena Medical Center, Chillicothe

Diley Ridge Medical Center (Trinity Health), Canal Winchester

Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster

Ohio Health Obetz

Ohio Health Pickerington
I saw a fire truck/ambulance driving with it's lights and sirens on then they turned them off. Why?

We are only permitted to use lights and sirens when responding to emergencies, or transporting critically ill or injured people to the hospital. Sometimes, while responding to a call, we are cancelled and no longer needed to respond. Therefore the lights and sirens must be shut off and the driver returns to following normal traffic laws.

Community Services

See the Community Services Tab for more information on the variety of programs offered by the Fire Department!

Does the fire department offer CPR classes?
Does the fire department install car seats?
Can I schedule a fire station tour?
Can I use the fire station to host an event?

Yes, the meeting room in the fire station is available to the public for events on a first-come, first-served basis and is offered free of charge. There is an application and release of liability required to be completed before the space will be reserved for you. You can pick up these forms in person at the station or download them from the “Forms” section of the website.
Does the fire department offer follow-up visits after someone has been released from the hospital?

Yes! We have a community paramedicine program called Harrison Redline Wellness in partnership with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center that will do follow-up visits with residents after they return home from the hospital. For more information on Harrison Redline Wellness see the “Community Paramedicine” section under “Community Services” of the website or send an email to redlinewellness@harrisonfd.com
Will you install new smoke detectors or help me change the batteries in an existing smoke detector?
Do you have free smoke detectors?
Can I schedule a fire truck to come to my event?
I have/know of a child who is interested in fire or has set fires in the past. Can someone from the fire department talk to them?

Explorers & Employment

Does the fire department offer an explorer program for prospective firefighters?

Yes and no. Currently the fire department permits students of an accredited EMS program to do “ride time” as an observer and to practice skills. These students must have the approval of their program coordinator to ride with our agency and must complete our waiver before they will be allowed to ride with us. This form my be obtained under the “Forms” tab or in person at the fire station.

We do not offer an explorer program to prospective firefighters. However, our current observer policy allows for high school students who are interested in a career in Fire and EMS to participate in ride time similar to that of an EMS student. These students must have approval of a high school career program, student counsellor or student advisor and must have a completed waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian before being allowed to ride with us.
How can I learn about employment opportunities with the fire department?
What are the minimum qualifications for employment?
Does the fire department accept volunteer firefighters?

General Questions

What are the fire department's hours of operation?
Why does fire trucks and ambulances block traffic when there is a car accident?

Roadway incidents are some of the most dangerous scenes firefighters work. Fire trucks and ambulances are parked in a way that provides protection to firefighters and victims of the collision from other drivers who are not involved. Sometimes this requires the roadway to be completely shut down while personnel work. Firefighters and the officer in charge will open as much of the roadway as possible as soon as possible. The roadway is never shut down to inconvenience anyone, but always for the safety of emergency personnel and the public.
How can I get a copy of a fire report? Is there a cost?
How can I obtain a copy of a patient care report or record of medical care that was provided by the fire department? Is there a cost?

Generally, requests for patient care reports must be done in person at the fire station and in writing. Patient care reports are considered protected health information (PHI) and subject to federal and state health privacy laws. Individuals who received treatment by the Harrison Township Fire Department are entitled to their own medical records or records of minor children they are legally responsible for at any time.

Someone who requests PHI about another individual will generally have their request denied. There are some very specific exceptions to this. If this situation applies to you, call the station any time, Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM to discuss your options.

Attorneys who are seeking medical records on behalf of a client who received medical care from the Harrison Township Fire Department may utilize ChartSwap or submit a release signed by the client the record pertains to via fax to (740) 983-8114.

There is no fee for patient care reports if released to the requestor.
What are the open burn requirements/limitations?
Can you send me a patch, t-shirt or other fire department memorabilia?

For security reasons, we are unable to send patches or uniform shirts to members of the public. Each shift has their own patches and challenge coins which may be for sale. The Harrison Township Firefighters Association and Local 3896 occasionally sells t-shirts and other items for fundraisers. Look out for promotions of these items on the Fire Department Facebook page.
Why is there a fire truck at the grocery store shopping?

In order to provide the fastest, most efficient emergency response, firefighters need to stay near their truck at all times. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts and do not have scheduled meal breaks so they often go to the store to get things needed for meals. The fire truck and firefighters have radios on and are in constant contact with a dispatcher and will leave whatever non-emergency assignment they are on to respond to a call for service. Firefighters pay for their own meals by pooling together their money for the day. Meals are not paid for out of the fire department budget.
Do you sell green address signs? Am I required to have one?

Yes! Green address signs are for sale at the station by Local 3896 and are $20 each. You will be given a sign and enough number for both sides of the sign. If you need assistance attaching the numbers or attaching the sign to your mailbox let us know! Accepted forms of payment are cash, check or credit/debit card. Make checks payable to Local 3896.

Residents are not required to have green address signs attached to their mail box. However, they make finding your address much easier for emergency, especially at night and are highly recommended for all residents!
What should I do with an old fire extinguisher?
Why did I receive a bill in the mail after being transported to the hospital?

We bill for EMS services. If you have a question about your bill, please call the phone number listed on the bill for questions regarding your bill. EMS billing is handled third party by Medicount.

If you received a bill in the mail from anyone other than Medicount, please call the fire station at (740) 983-4115.
I received a letter from the Township about a fire alarm. What should I do?

The Revised Code allows the Board of Trustees to assess fines for the fire department responding to false alarms. Fire Department policy defines any false fire alarm that occurs in any building in the coverage area except residential structures, educational facilities and places of worship.

If you received a letter, the fire department responded to a false alarm to an eligible building. This letter serves as a notice as required by the Revised Code. There is nothing you need to do on your part. If you have questions, call the fire station and speak with the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief or on-duty Captain.

Contacts

Main Phone & Fax
Public Information Officer Steve Sabine

For immediate media inquires please call the station at (740) 983-4115 and ask to speak with the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief or on-duty Captain.

To connect with the Public Information Officer outside of an emergency, email ssabine@harrisonfd.com – Please allow up to 2 business days for a response.
Fire Prevention, Inspections, Permits & Plan Review

For all fire prevention, inspections, permits and plan review questions please call the station directly or email the responsible person below:

Fire prevention, inspections, permits and plan review contact Inspector Steve Welsh; swelsh@harrisonfd.com

For general questions about fire prevention, inspections or permits contact Inspector Steve Welsh or Fire Chief Shawn Davidson; sdavidson@harrisonfd.com

For general questions about fire prevention, inspections, permits, and questions regarding ERRCS/DAS systems contact Captain Brian Kirkpatrick; bkirkpatrick@harrisonfd.com
Submit Employment Applications - Fire Department ONLY
CPR Classes
Harrison Redline Wellness - Community Paramedicine
Social Media
Vendors

All vendors may call the station at (740) 983-4115 any time or reach out to the individual who oversees your specialty.

EMS – Lieutenant Robert Wall; rwall@harrisonfd.com

Rescue Equipment – Lieutenant Jeremy Lust; jlust@harrisonfd.com

Fire Personal Protective Equipment, Uniforms – Captain Jeff Rosencrance; jrosencrance@harrisonfd.com

Radios, Technology, Water Rescue Equipment – Captain Brian Kirkpatrick; bkirkpatrick@harrisonfd.com

Hose, Appliances, SCBA’s, IDLH Metering Devices – Captain Jordan Hempker; jhempker@harrisonfd.com

Office Supplies – Township Clerk Sara LeMaster; slemaster@harrisonfd.com

Comments & Concerns

Comments & Compliments
Concerns & Complaints

If you had a negative experience or would like to file a compliant, please give us a call and speak with the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief or on-duty Captain. Please note we take complaints seriously and will investigate any complaint received, orally or in writing. However, if you would like for us to follow up with you after the investigation is complete, we do require complaints to be filed in writing.