Toledo Fire & Rescue Department

Your Toledo Fire Water Rescue team training on their craft!

June was a busy month!

On Monday July 22, 2024, the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association held their annual Memorial Service at their convention in Columbus, OH. During this service, they recognized the State of Ohio Firefighter LODD during the year, as well as retired chiefs that were OFCA members. Sterling “Butch” Rahe was recognized with his family and members of both the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department
And Springfield Twp Fire Department. Our brother will never be forgotten!

Come out and support YOUR firefighter, ‘The Worlds Strongest Firefighter’ Marcus Waugh. Marcus and other first responders will be competing at Whitmer High School on August 3rd from 1pm - 4pm. For more information visit www.Waughstrong.org.

Who will win?
Join Toledo Fire and Toledo Police in the ‘Battle of the Badges’ softball game. Buy your tickets now…

Your Toledo firefighters participating in the African American Parade over this past weekend.

Earlier, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department firefighters responded to a house fire at 637 Boalt Street. Crews found heavy fire upon arrival and initiated a fire attack. The structure was in poor shape with holes in the roof and a collapsed back porch. No firefighters or civilians were hurt.

“ If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” – Les Brown

This is the Last Alarm notification for retired Toledo firefighter Richard Jarchow who passed on July 4, 2024. On behalf of Fire Chief Allison Armstrong and the men and women of the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, we thank you firefighter Richard Jarchow for your 25+ years of service and dedication to the city of Toledo. Rest in peace brother.

“There is no better investment of time and money than in the life of a child. They are the future...”
— Alma Powell



-T-City

“As long as their names are spoken, they are remembered”

Today we remember Toledo Firefighter William G. Genson who died in the line of duty on July 10, 1961. William was one of four Toledo Firefighters burned during the gasoline tanker fire on the Anthony Wayne Trail on June 10, 1961.

William, who died at 9:00 a.m. on July 10, 1961, was 39 years old at the time of his death. He was a 13 year veteran of the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department. He was appointed to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department on May 16, 1948 and assigned badge 435.

William was a veteran of World War II serving with the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He was survived by his mother and father, and his sons, William Jr., and Ricky.

Happy 4th of July from the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department! Today, as we celebrate with our wonderful community, we want to remind everyone to stay vigilant and safe during the festivities. Your safety is our top priority, so please remember to handle fireworks responsibly, keep a watchful eye on children, and have a designated driver if you're celebrating with alcohol.

We have some of our dedicated members serving in the downtown area alongside those currently serving out of our scattered 18 stations. Wherever you are in Toledo, know that our firefighters are ready to respond to any emergency that may arise. Let's make this Independence Day a joyous and safe one for all!

Do you want to see a beautiful display of fireworks? Information is detailed below. We will see you tomorrow night!

As the Fourth of July approaches, make sure to plan your fireworks viewing. We will be setting off fireworks at 10 p.m. along the riverfront. Join us Downtown at Glass City Metropark or Promenade Park and get ready for a sparkling show in the sky.

**IMPORTANT TRAFFIC TIPS:**

🚙 Park on the side of downtown closest to your home or next destination after the fireworks.

✅ If you live in North Toledo, park on the north side of downtown.

✅ If you live in West Toledo, park on the west side of downtown. If you wish to cross the river, park on the side of downtown from which it will be easiest to leave.

❌ There will be a no Veo Scooter ride zone in the downtown area before and during the fireworks.

🚍 TARTA will provide event transportation directly to downtown from Franklin Park Mall (bus shelters on Royer Road) beginning at 8 p.m. and running every 30 minutes, with the last ride to downtown leaving at 10 p.m.

For more traffic information for the Fourth of July, visit: https://ow.ly/faxz50SrGVf

"I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you." —Oprah Winfrey

*** Firework Safety Alert ***

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, your Toledo Fire and Rescue Department wants to remind everyone about the importance of firework safety. Fireworks can bring joy and excitement, but if not handled properly, they can lead to devastating accidents. Here are some crucial safety tips to keep in mind:

1.Never allow children to handle fireworks. Keep them at a safe distance away from the fireworks display.

2. Read and follow all instructions carefully. Make sure to use fireworks only in open, outdoor areas away from buildings and flammable materials.

3. Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby. In case of a mishap, you can quickly extinguish any fire.

4. Do not attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks. I repeat, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RELIGHT MALFUNCTIONING FIREWORKS!!

5. Never aim fireworks at people, animals, or structures. Be considerate of your surroundings and the safety of others.

6. Attend a public fireworks display organized by professionals. Enjoy the show from a safe distance without the risk.

7. Remember, alcohol and fireworks don't mix. Stay sober when handling fireworks to ensure everyone's safety.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an average of 18,500 fires each year, resulting in injuries and property damage. Let's celebrate responsibly and keep our community safe during this upcoming holiday

On behalf of Chief Allison Armstrong,
congratulations to four of your Toledo firefighters who have been promoted from Private to Lieutenant in the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving the Toledo community have paid off, and we are proud to see you take on these new leadership roles. Thank you for your service and congratulations once again!

“As long as their names are spoken, they are remembered”

Today we remember Private Glenn E. Carter who was the second Toledo Firefighter to die of his injuries following the tanker fire on June 10, 1961.

Glenn, age 28, was appointed on November 1, 1958 and was assigned badge 246. He died of burns he received while fighting the gasoline tanker fire on the Anthony Wayne Trail on June 10, 1961. He was one of eleven firefighters burned that day, and one of four that succumbed to his injuries.

Glenn died at 8:05 p.m., about 12 hours after he became a father for the second time. His wife, Barbara Ann, gave birth to a baby girl at 7:26 a.m. at the Maumee Valley Hospital. Barbara chose that hospital so that she and the child could be near him. He was also survived by his four year old son, Jeffery.

Glenn was assigned to Engine 5 and was one of the first to arrive at the tanker fire. Glenn was a veteran of the Korean War.

*** UPDATE***

“THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO THE EXTREME WEATHER AND HEAT INDEX PREDICTED FOR JUNE 22. WE WILL RESCHEDULE"

“As long as their names are spoken, they are remembered”

Today we remember Edward Radunz who was a foreman of the transmission lines for the city of Toledo Fire and Police Alarm System. He died from injuries on June 21, 1932 after he fell while working on the transmission lines at Willys Parkway and Berdan Avenue.

He was born on December 1, 1887. He was made a member of the fire department on November 27, 1922. Edward was a U.S. Army veteran of World War I.

“As long as their names are spoken, they are remembered”

Today we remember Captain Robert J. Pietras who died in the line of on June 21, 1969. Captain Pietras died from injuries received when he fell from a ladder while fighting a house fire at 2472 Lawton Street on June 20, 1969. The fire was deemed arson after a witness saw two teens throw a fire bomb through the front window.

Captain Pietras was born in Oshawa, Ontario on February 21, 1924. He was appointed to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department on September 1, 1951, and assigned badge number 37. He was promoted to Lieutenant on December 1, 1962, and Captain on July 1, 1967.

Robert was a veteran of World War II and left behind a wife and 3 children.

Thank you to the Canadian National Railway Company for inviting us today to talk about railway safety and training at their Toledo Rail Yard. I learned a lot about the railroad, safety and training for first responders. It was good to spend some time with Representative Marcy Kaptur during today's visit. The Toledo Fire & Rescue Department appreciates her support and shared vision.

“ People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, there may be jealousy; be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.
— Mother Teresa

joins the City of Toledo today in observing, celebrating, and commemorating Juneteenth. honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

Stay cool, stay hydrated! As temperatures soar during this heat wave, remember to drink plenty of water to keep your body happy and healthy. Dehydration can sneak up on you, so make sure to sip water throughout the day. Your body will thank you for it! Stay safe and beat the heat.

***This is in partnership with Toledo Fire and Recuse Dept.***

This event is coming up this Saturday and we want all the children there.
Free bike helmets,free water personal flotation devices, fire Safety swag, smoke alarms and more. SEE YOU ALL THERE!

“As long as their names are spoken, they are remembered”

Today we remember Private Robert G. Harrison, age 62, a 40-year veteran of the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department.

Private Harrison died in the line of duty on June 15, 1961 from burns he suffered battling the gasoline tanker fire on the Anthony Wayne Trail. The fire occurred on Saturday, June 10, 1961, when a gasoline tanker rolled over while making a turn.

Private Harrison was appointed to the department on September 1, 1920 and assigned badge number 290. He was assigned to Engine 5 on November 21, 1920. He was one of the first drivers of motorized apparatus when the department converted from horse drawn apparatus.

Private Harrison was one of eleven firefighters burned on that June day, and one of four that died as a result of battling the tanker fire.

Private Harrison was survived by his wife, Ida; sister Grace Lake and brothers, Patterson, Warren, Joseph, and Charles.

** Please read**

We've partnered with local agencies to set up safety shelters for residents in response to the extreme heat expected to begin on Monday, June 17 and continue throughout the week.

Toledo, Lucas County, and surrounding residents can use Toledo.oh.gov/extreme-heat for updates on cooling shelters. Using the map, enter your location to search for the nearest cooling shelter available.

For those who do not have internet access, United Way of Greater Toledo can find this information. Dial 2-1-1 to get connected with a local representative.

Stay cool, hydrated, and safe!

Lucas County Emergency Management Agency, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, Toledo Police Department, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Human Relations Commission: Toledo, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc., The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority, United Way of Greater Toledo, Toledo City Council, and Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board.

On behalf of Fire Chief Allison Armstrong and the dedicated men and women of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, we celebrate Private Swartz's remarkable career of over 30 years serving the Toledo community with immense pride and unwavering dedication. Hailing from one of the busiest inner city Station 16, Private Swartz has not only been a pillar of strength but also a mentor to many young firefighters, finding joy in guiding and inspiring the next generation. Your legacy of service and commitment will forever be remembered. Best wishes on this new chapter, Private Swartz!