Fire & EMS History
Seville volunteer fire department ~ 1869 - 1980
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The Seville Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1869. For the first several years it consisted of nothing more then a bucket brigade. The equipment consisted of several buckets, a ladder or two, rope and a few volunteers to pass the buckets of water along. At one time, it was required that people have a ladder, a rain barrel, and some buckets available.
Sometime before 1900 the first hand pumper was purchased from Forest City, Cleveland, Ohio, which is now housed in a museum in Cleveland. John Overholt was one of the first Chiefs. He and his brother “Ike” were the owners of the Overholt Machine Shop located on the current site of Seville Centrifugal Bronze. |
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In 1927, Charles Rennecker took over as Chief. He owned a garage in downtown Seville, next door to the fire station. His close proximity to the station may have contributed to his being named Chief. At this time, a 1924 Maxwell pumper was purchased from the City of Rittman. It was said that the department was laughed at because the kids could out-run the truck responding to a fire call. It was felt that something had to be done, so they purchased a six cylinder Chevy engine and installed it in the old Maxwell with good results. The kids didn’t have a chance after that. They also had a 1916 Haynes with two forty-five gallon chemical tanks.
In 1940, Seville purchased their first new fire truck, a new Ford Midship pumper. To save money, the sixty-five horsepower engine was purchased instead of the more powerful eighty-five horsepower engine, which was less than $100.00 more expensive.
The first training course was taken in 1940. Fred Bauer was the Chief at this time. Earl Beck became Fire Chief in 1943, and remained in that role until he stepped down in 1977. Earl Beck remained on the department until his death in 1983. During his time as Chief, two new pumper-tankers were delivered in December, 1958 from Howe Fire Equipment Company, Anderson, Indiana.
After these twin trucks were purchased, it was found that the department was having growing pains. Land was purchased, and a new Fire Station, Mayor's Office, and Council chambers were built at 6 Spring Street. This facility was dedicated in October, 1959.
In 1968, a new grass fire pumper truck was purchased from Sutphen Fire Equipment Company, Columbus, Ohio. With a front mount pump, booster reels, and a 300 gallon tank, this vehicle was the first so-called “quick attack” truck in the area. At that time, the department sold the 1940 Ford to the highest bidder. The fire pumper, Unit 174,is still owned by the Fire Department, but was removed from service in 2020 when a new UTV was purchased with grant money.
In 1976, a new pumper-tanker was purchased from Pierce Fire Equipment Company, Appleton, Wisconsin. This unit, 171-3, was equipped with a 1000 gpm pump, a 1000 gallon tank, and dual booster reels, Unit 171-3 is no longer in service.
Dale Jones was sworn in as Chief in 1977, after Chief Beck stepped down.
In 1980, the department relocated to its present location at 100 W. Greenwich Road. In 1981, a new Pierce pumper with a 1000 gpm pump and 750 gallon tank was delivered. This apparatus served primarily as a supply pumper in rural applications.
Soon after this, Guilford Township became partners with the Village of Seville in funding the Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service Department. With this partnership the departments were renamed Seville-Guilford Fire Department and Seville-Guilford Emergency Medical Service.
In 1940, Seville purchased their first new fire truck, a new Ford Midship pumper. To save money, the sixty-five horsepower engine was purchased instead of the more powerful eighty-five horsepower engine, which was less than $100.00 more expensive.
The first training course was taken in 1940. Fred Bauer was the Chief at this time. Earl Beck became Fire Chief in 1943, and remained in that role until he stepped down in 1977. Earl Beck remained on the department until his death in 1983. During his time as Chief, two new pumper-tankers were delivered in December, 1958 from Howe Fire Equipment Company, Anderson, Indiana.
After these twin trucks were purchased, it was found that the department was having growing pains. Land was purchased, and a new Fire Station, Mayor's Office, and Council chambers were built at 6 Spring Street. This facility was dedicated in October, 1959.
In 1968, a new grass fire pumper truck was purchased from Sutphen Fire Equipment Company, Columbus, Ohio. With a front mount pump, booster reels, and a 300 gallon tank, this vehicle was the first so-called “quick attack” truck in the area. At that time, the department sold the 1940 Ford to the highest bidder. The fire pumper, Unit 174,is still owned by the Fire Department, but was removed from service in 2020 when a new UTV was purchased with grant money.
In 1976, a new pumper-tanker was purchased from Pierce Fire Equipment Company, Appleton, Wisconsin. This unit, 171-3, was equipped with a 1000 gpm pump, a 1000 gallon tank, and dual booster reels, Unit 171-3 is no longer in service.
Dale Jones was sworn in as Chief in 1977, after Chief Beck stepped down.
In 1980, the department relocated to its present location at 100 W. Greenwich Road. In 1981, a new Pierce pumper with a 1000 gpm pump and 750 gallon tank was delivered. This apparatus served primarily as a supply pumper in rural applications.
Soon after this, Guilford Township became partners with the Village of Seville in funding the Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service Department. With this partnership the departments were renamed Seville-Guilford Fire Department and Seville-Guilford Emergency Medical Service.
Seville-guilford Fire Department ~ 1980-2005
In 1983, Dale Jones retired from the fire department and Dick Naftzger was sworn in as Chief in May.
In 1985 an old squad was acquired from the Emergency Medical Service and was converted into a heavy rescue vehicle. Dubbed the “Family Wagon” by the department members, this vehicle was equipped with the “Jaws of Life”, air bags, and other rescue equipment.
In the fall of 1988 the Seville-Guilford Fire Department took delivery of a new pumper-tanker from Pierce. It was equipped with a 1250 gallon per minute pump, 2500 gallon tank, three 10” dump valves, a 2500 gallon portable tank, and other equipment needed to fight fires for the bid price of $140,000.00. This truck provided water supply functions, and was designated as the primary pumper for fire department sprinkler connections. After this unit was placed in service, the two 1958 pumpers were auctioned off to the highest bidders.
In October of 1994 the department purchased a new Heavy Rescue truck from Kenco Fabrication Company, Scotdale, Pennsylvania for the low bid price of $98,000.00. This rescue truck was built on an International 4700 series low profile chassis with a five-man cab and a walk-in rescue box. Unit 178 was equipped with a light tower, 25KW power take off generator, and an electric hydraulic pump to power 2 tools of the “Jaws of Life” at the same time.
During Chief Naftzger’s tenure, major upgrades were made in the supply hoses, specialized equipment, turn out gear, training programs, and establishing an inspection program for the Village and Township. Upgrades to the building included a new roof, shingles, vinyl siding, overhead doors with electric openers, and remodeling of the offices and meeting room.
On June 1, 1996 Dick Naftzger retired from the Seville-Guilford Fire Department after 37 years of service, the last 13 as Fire Chief. On July 1, 1996, Jeff Eby was sworn in as Fire Chief, and continued to improve the fire fighting and extrication equipment as well as training. In 2004, the department took delivery of a new Pierce pumper. This truck came equipped with a 1500 gallon per minute pump, a 1000 gallon tank, and both class A and B type fire fighting foam cells. Numbered 171-1, this engine served as the first due pumper on all structural fire calls, as well as primary response to motor vehicle accidents and many other types of calls.
In 1985 an old squad was acquired from the Emergency Medical Service and was converted into a heavy rescue vehicle. Dubbed the “Family Wagon” by the department members, this vehicle was equipped with the “Jaws of Life”, air bags, and other rescue equipment.
In the fall of 1988 the Seville-Guilford Fire Department took delivery of a new pumper-tanker from Pierce. It was equipped with a 1250 gallon per minute pump, 2500 gallon tank, three 10” dump valves, a 2500 gallon portable tank, and other equipment needed to fight fires for the bid price of $140,000.00. This truck provided water supply functions, and was designated as the primary pumper for fire department sprinkler connections. After this unit was placed in service, the two 1958 pumpers were auctioned off to the highest bidders.
In October of 1994 the department purchased a new Heavy Rescue truck from Kenco Fabrication Company, Scotdale, Pennsylvania for the low bid price of $98,000.00. This rescue truck was built on an International 4700 series low profile chassis with a five-man cab and a walk-in rescue box. Unit 178 was equipped with a light tower, 25KW power take off generator, and an electric hydraulic pump to power 2 tools of the “Jaws of Life” at the same time.
During Chief Naftzger’s tenure, major upgrades were made in the supply hoses, specialized equipment, turn out gear, training programs, and establishing an inspection program for the Village and Township. Upgrades to the building included a new roof, shingles, vinyl siding, overhead doors with electric openers, and remodeling of the offices and meeting room.
On June 1, 1996 Dick Naftzger retired from the Seville-Guilford Fire Department after 37 years of service, the last 13 as Fire Chief. On July 1, 1996, Jeff Eby was sworn in as Fire Chief, and continued to improve the fire fighting and extrication equipment as well as training. In 2004, the department took delivery of a new Pierce pumper. This truck came equipped with a 1500 gallon per minute pump, a 1000 gallon tank, and both class A and B type fire fighting foam cells. Numbered 171-1, this engine served as the first due pumper on all structural fire calls, as well as primary response to motor vehicle accidents and many other types of calls.
Seville-Guilford EMS - 1980-2005
Seville-Guilford EMS was established by a group of dedicated volunteers on April 1, 1980 in response to the loss of the previous local ambulance service. Working as a department under the Village of Seville, EMS was originally housed in a building downtown, before moving to the long-used station at 6 Spring St.
Throughout the years, EMS continued to upgrade equipment and staffing levels to provide well-trained, professional, cost-effective Emergency Medical Services to the area. As the department grew, it became clear that the Spring St. station was becoming obsolete.
With the construction and remodeling of the fire station, discussions began to move EMS services into the building at 100 W. Greenwich Road, effectively creating a safety services center. At this time, responsibility for the EMS department transferred from the Village of Seville to Guilford Township. This newly formed arrangement resulted in the formation of the Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS department.
Throughout the years, EMS continued to upgrade equipment and staffing levels to provide well-trained, professional, cost-effective Emergency Medical Services to the area. As the department grew, it became clear that the Spring St. station was becoming obsolete.
With the construction and remodeling of the fire station, discussions began to move EMS services into the building at 100 W. Greenwich Road, effectively creating a safety services center. At this time, responsibility for the EMS department transferred from the Village of Seville to Guilford Township. This newly formed arrangement resulted in the formation of the Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS department.
Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS ~ 2005 - Present Day
Beginning in late 2004 till mid 2005, the fire station underwent a compete makeover. With the addition of a seven bay, double depth apparatus floor and totally remodeling the existing station into a large kitchen, training room, and office space, the Emergency Medical Service was relocated from the old location at 6 Sprint Street to the new station, forming the Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS department. On June 25, 2005 the newly remodeled station was dedicated to Richard "Dick" Naftzger for his long dedicated years of service.
With the merger of SGFD and SGEMS, the search began in 2006 for a full-time Chief to oversee the newly formed Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS. In October, 2006, Jerry Winkler was sworn in as Chief.
The fleet continued to grow as a Ford chassis was donated to the department by Guilford Township. This former dump truck was outfitted with a utility box and Unit 176-2 was used to tow the Fire Safety Trailer and served as a support and equipment truck. The approximately $50,000 Fire Safety Trailer was purchased through Federal Fire Prevention & Safety grant money, and was used to educate school children, civic groups, and the general public in fire safety and prevention, as well as tornado safety.
In March, 2007, the department took delivery of a new Braun ambulance on a Chevrolet C-4500 chassis. This vehicle, 177-2, replaced an outdated ambulance and currently serves as the primary EMS response vehicle. In addition to basic first aid supplies, 177-2 carries Advanced Life Support equipment including a heart monitor with 12-lead EKG capability, defibrillator, IV therapy supplies, and various emergency drugs.
With the merger of SGFD and SGEMS, the search began in 2006 for a full-time Chief to oversee the newly formed Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS. In October, 2006, Jerry Winkler was sworn in as Chief.
The fleet continued to grow as a Ford chassis was donated to the department by Guilford Township. This former dump truck was outfitted with a utility box and Unit 176-2 was used to tow the Fire Safety Trailer and served as a support and equipment truck. The approximately $50,000 Fire Safety Trailer was purchased through Federal Fire Prevention & Safety grant money, and was used to educate school children, civic groups, and the general public in fire safety and prevention, as well as tornado safety.
In March, 2007, the department took delivery of a new Braun ambulance on a Chevrolet C-4500 chassis. This vehicle, 177-2, replaced an outdated ambulance and currently serves as the primary EMS response vehicle. In addition to basic first aid supplies, 177-2 carries Advanced Life Support equipment including a heart monitor with 12-lead EKG capability, defibrillator, IV therapy supplies, and various emergency drugs.
PResent Day Operations
Seville-Guilford Fire and EMS utilizes all three State of Ohio Certified EMT levels, EMT-P (Paramedics), EMT-I (Intermediates), and EMT-B (Basics). Each of these levels requires hundreds of hours of training, as well as many hours of continuing education for recertification every three years. We have two Advanced Life Support capable ambulances that is currently staffed with a combination of full and part time positions. There are two positions staffed 24 hours a day. During the day a full time Chief is present, as well as an additional part time member to have a staffing level of four during the busiest hours of the day. Two positions are staffed throughout the night. This allows for an ambulance to respond quickly 24 hours a day, and an engine crew of 3-4 members to respond if needed. Additional personnel can be called in as needed overnight.
Our annual call volume has grown to well over 700 calls per year. As the population and call volume continue to increase, staffing will continue to be a major focus to ensure that all emergencies are handled quickly and efficiently. Our primary service area includes the Village of Seville and Guilford Township, as well as portions of I-76 & I-71. Additionally, we work very closely with neighboring departments through mutual aid agreements.
Along with full and part time staffing, the station is also has a four legged, full time member. Marshall, the station Dalmatian, is training in search and rescue and has extensive training in community events and companion training. He is a well respected member, with social media followers from around the world, and is a very important part of our community! Marshall provides emotional support and companionship to our members and is an excellent asset for community outreach.
At Seville-Guilford Fire and EMS, we are dedicated to helping people in their time of need at any time of the day or night. We always have a full ambulance crew available, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. Along with the medical and trauma emergencies, we also respond to all fire calls, where provide fire scene rehab medical care for our firefighters, and ensure the safety and well-being of any civilians that may have been involved in the incident. In addition to medical care, we provide public education, blood-pressure checks, stand-by at events, and many other public services as the opportunity arises.
Whatever the situation, Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS strives to provide prompt, professional emergency services to the residents of and visitors to Guilford Township, the Village of Seville, and our neighboring communities.
Our annual call volume has grown to well over 700 calls per year. As the population and call volume continue to increase, staffing will continue to be a major focus to ensure that all emergencies are handled quickly and efficiently. Our primary service area includes the Village of Seville and Guilford Township, as well as portions of I-76 & I-71. Additionally, we work very closely with neighboring departments through mutual aid agreements.
Along with full and part time staffing, the station is also has a four legged, full time member. Marshall, the station Dalmatian, is training in search and rescue and has extensive training in community events and companion training. He is a well respected member, with social media followers from around the world, and is a very important part of our community! Marshall provides emotional support and companionship to our members and is an excellent asset for community outreach.
At Seville-Guilford Fire and EMS, we are dedicated to helping people in their time of need at any time of the day or night. We always have a full ambulance crew available, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. Along with the medical and trauma emergencies, we also respond to all fire calls, where provide fire scene rehab medical care for our firefighters, and ensure the safety and well-being of any civilians that may have been involved in the incident. In addition to medical care, we provide public education, blood-pressure checks, stand-by at events, and many other public services as the opportunity arises.
Whatever the situation, Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS strives to provide prompt, professional emergency services to the residents of and visitors to Guilford Township, the Village of Seville, and our neighboring communities.
