Crawford County West Joint Ambulance District

The CCWJAD will hold a special meeting 8/14/24 at noon, Holmes Twp fire hall, for the purpose of levy discussions and forming a levy committee.

The CCWJAD will hold a regular quarterly meeting Wednesday, July 17th at 7PM, Holmes Twp fire hall.

A special meeting will be held Wed., June 26th, 1PM at Holmes Twp fire hall for the purpose of levy discussions.

The CCWJAD will hold a brief special meeting Wednesday, May 29th at 1PM, Holmes Twp. Fire Hall, for the purpose levy discussions.

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Tomorrow’s special meeting is postponed until further notice.

The CCWJAD will hold its quarterly meeting Wed, April 17 at noon, Holmes Twp fire hall.

The CCWJAD will meet Friday, Mar 1 at 1:00PM for the purpose of contract discussions. Holmes Twp Fire Hall.

The CCWJAD board will meet at noon Friday Jan 19, 2024 at Holmes Twp.

Our quarterly meeting will be held Jan 17, 7PM at Holmes Twp fire hall.

A special meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 22, 5PM, at Holmes Twp. fire hall.

Information about John Schiefer’s funeral services.

The men and women of the Holmes Township Volunteer Fire Department want to thank everyone that has reached out over the past two days. The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Calling Hours: Wednesday July 26, 2023 from 1PM to 9PM
Bucyrus United Methodist Church
227 S. Walnut Street
Bucyrus, Ohio

Funeral Service: July 27, 2023 at 2PM at Bucyrus United Methodist Church with Burial at Brokensword Cemetery

For those agencies wanting to send apparatus to participate in the funeral procession, please contact Captain Jay Scott at 419-689-0436 to aid in planning. We are requesting apparatus to be at the church by 1PM on the day of the funeral.

OBITUARY:

John N. Schiefer, 63, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, July 23, 2023 at Marion General Hospital from heart related complications.

He was born June 16, 1960 in Bucyrus to the late Norman and Ellie (Spiegel) Schiefer and raised on the family farm in Holmes Township. He graduated in 1978 from Wynford High School where he was active in FFA, band, theater productions, and managed the basketball team. All he ever wanted to do was raise a family, farm, and be a fireman and he lived his dream to the fullest. He met Vanessa Palm after being introduced by a mutual friend. After a brief courtship, they were married September 27, 1980. They partnered in life and farming, making every major decision together and started Schiefer Bins with John’s father in 1987. He retired from the Bucyrus Fire Department as a Lieutenant after 28 years and served on the Holmes Twp. VFD where he currently was the Chief.

If you knew John, you knew him to be a selfless public servant, husband, father, neighbor, and friend. His family couldn’t go out of state on vacation without running into someone he knew, let alone anywhere in Crawford County. His greatest blessings occurred every time his family gathered together for a meal. No project or job was too big to be put on hold if one of the grandkids had a program or game that needed to be attended. John took many young farmers and aspiring firefighters under his wing for a tour or encouraging talk. His absence will be felt by many and his infectious smile, laugh, and dependability will be missed.

John’s civic and church involvement includes his membership at Bucyrus United Methodist Church where he served on many committees and was the current head trustee, the former Grace UMC where he and Vanessa were youth leaders and active in Sunday School, Chief of Holmes Twp. VFD, Fire Inspector, member of the Crawford County Fire Chiefs, Wynford Elementary Building and Bond Committee, former national and state president of Ohio Young Farmers, Chairman of the Dairy Beef Feeder Committee with the Junior Fair, supporter of the Bucyrus Fire Department’s Toy Drive, and many other service related committees.

John is survived by his bride of nearly 43 years, Vanessa Schiefer; children, Andy (Kristin) Schiefer and Marcy (Jeremy) Maglott; grandchildren, Preston and Olivia Schiefer and Karson, Kaiden, and Brycen Maglott; brother, Tom (Julie) Schiefer; mother-in-law, Charlotte Palm; along with aunts and extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by father-in-law, Donald Palm and brother-in-law, Roy Palm

All services will be held at the Bucyrus UMC Worship Center, 227 S Walnut St., Bucyrus. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 26 from 1-9 pm. His funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday with Pastors Becky Stephens, Bill Sowers, and Tom Schiefer participating. The funeral procession will go past the Bucyrus Fire Department and Holmes Twp. Fire Department en route to Brokensword Cemetery where his final call will be sounded, and bell tolled.

John often said, “Flowers die, but toys survive.” John wishes to see toys including fire trucks, tractors, and stuffed animals brought to his services to fill the church in lieu of flowers. They will be donated to children’s hospitals and the BFD toy drive to continue his service towards the community. Memorial donations can also be made payable to Bucyrus UMC, Holmes Twp VFD, or Wynford Athletic Boosters and given at the church or Wise Funeral Service.

Memories and photos can be shared on John’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.

Our deepest condolences to John’s family and friends. John Schiefer worked tirelessly and selflessly for our community, and we are better off because of his efforts. Godspeed, John, you will be greatly missed.

It is with a great sense of loss and grief, as well as thanks and admiration for him, that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our chief, John Schiefer. We express our sympathy to his wife and family, and stand ready to support them in their time of mourning, and beyond.

As the Holmes Twp. fire chief, John was instrumental in transitioning our department into the use of modern technology, as well as the latest advancements in equipment and techniques. Our current EMS system, and our partnership with Bucyrus Fire Department, were tremendous achievements.

In Chief Schiefer's honor, we will continue to work hard in service to our community.

Our quarterly meeting will be held 7/19/23 at 7PM, Holmes Twp. Fire Hall.

Thank you for your service to the community.

In honor of two retired Holmes Township firefighters who passed away in the past week: Roger Anthony, and Steve Stuckman.

Our quarterly meeting will be held 4/19/23 at 7PM, Holmes Twp. Fire Hall.

Statement on Bucyrus City Fire Department staffing changes:

The Crawford County West Joint Ambulance District (CCWJAD) was formed in the summer of 2021 when the previous county-wide joint ambulance district dissolved. The CCWJAD entered into contract with the City of Bucyrus for EMS coverage to be provided by the Bucyrus City Fire Department, (BCFD) using funds generated from a new EMS levy. The first year of that contract has gone extremely well. The district has benefited from prompt and professional service from the BCFD, and also experienced a high level of cooperation with our various Township volunteer first responders.

The CCWJAD has been closely monitoring recent developments regarding proposed BCFD staffing changes, and have been in communication with city administration and council members expressing our concern. The CCWJAD recognizes issues the City has over budget, as well as the concerns of BCFD staff. The CCWJAD trust that the administration and council can resolve these issues, and expect that we will keep receiving the same outstanding level of service from the BCFD for the remainder of our contract.

The Crawford County West Joint Ambulance District will hold a brief special meeting at noon on Friday, Jan 6th, Holmes Twp Fire Hall, for the purpose of discussing 2023 budget appropriations.

A special meeting of the CCWJAD will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6PM, Holmes Twp fire hall, for the purpose of discussing the 2023 budget.

Your Dallas Twp Firefighters invite you to join us for a pancake breakfast on Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 8am-12pm. Hope to see you there! Donations accepted.

Notice: The CCWJAD will be having its quarterly meeting Wednesday, July 20th, 7PM at the Holmes Township fire hall.

Congratulations to all 4 fire departments in our ambulance district, for receiving the state MARCS grant. Thanks to those involved!

Notice: The CCWJAD will be having its quarterly meeting Wednesday, April 20th, 7PM at the Holmes Township fire hall.

We are so thankful for all our district volunteers! Not only Holmes, but also Bucyrus Twp., Dallas and Lykens. Great job!

Through this week Holmes Township V.F.D. has responded to 48 calls. Last year's total was just under 100. Part of the increase is due to our back-up role in the new Crawford County West Joint Ambulance District. We who volunteer as Holmes Township firefighters, EMT's and paramedics are proud to do our duty, and we appreciate the strong support we receive from the community. Any time you see us working at the firehouse, feel free to visit with us. If you're interested in joining this rewarding work, let us know.

Congratulations, and thank you!

We would like to Thank: Hord’s for the pork, Mennel for the pancake mix, meat processing by Glenville, the Hartschuh and Schafer families for the real maple syrup.