Fire Department Staff & History

The Harrison Township Fire Department traces its roots back to 1883 when Ashville Council passed a motion approving the purchase of three ladders for fire rescues. Also is 1883 permission was given to the Village to install pulleys in the Odd Fellows building which originally stood in the area of Long and Wright Street. The following year, on May 7, 1884, Village Council met at the school house to formally organize the Fire Department. Later that year, the original Cherry Street location was purchased for $150 but nothing was built there until 1897. The first pumper was purchased in 1891 for $628 and between 1891 and 1897 was housed in various sheds around the village.

In 1897 the Cherry Street station was constructed for $169.63. This building still stands and is the current home of the Old Town Jail Museum. It housed the Fire Department until it moved into it’s current station on State Route 752 in 1990.

The Fire Department was reorganized as The Ashville-Harrison Fire Department in 1896 and the first Chief, G. W. Brobeck was formally appointed having informally serving in the role since 1884. Since being reorganized into it’s current form, 18 people have served as Fire Chief prior to Chief Davidson being appointed in 2022. 

In 1973, the Fire Department started providing Emergency Medical Services alongside Fire existing fire services and in 1988, the first Full-Time personnel were hired by the Township. Previously, the Fire Department was volunteer only. Not long after more four additional Full-Time Firefighters were hired in 1994 and the Department made the transition from a 40-hour schedule to the current 24/48 shift rotation schedule. 

The Harrison Township Fire Department has been slowly growing over recent years to match the growth of the community and it’s needs. Currently, the Fire Department employs 3 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 12 Career Full-Time Firefighters, 18 Part-Time Firefighters, 2 Chiefs and 3 civilians. The current fleet of fire apparatus includes 2 Engines, 3 Medics (1 is reserve), 1 Tanker, 1 Brush/Grass Truck, 1 Rescue Boat, 1 UTV and 4 Staff vehicles.