Adopt-A-Hydrant program underway
The Brunswick Division of Fire has launched a new program to encourage residents to help with the painting of fire hydrants on area streets. The Adopt-A-Hydrant program has two options to help keep a fresh coat of paint on the hydrants on your street. The first option asks that volunteers adopt four hydrants. A quart of paint and a brush will be provided at no charge with this commitment. If you choose to only adopt one hydrant, residents will purchase the specified paint. Once the project is completed; the Fire Department will inspect the hydrant and will issue an official Adoption Certificate. You must have a completed application/voucher form to participate.
The special all surface, safety red paint is available only at the Sherwin Williams Commercial Paint store at 2872 Center Road, east of Interstate 71. There are about 2,650 fire hydrants located throughout the City, and residents are encouraged to participate in this program. To register for the program, pick up an application/voucher form at Fire Station #1, weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. For more information, please contact the Brunswick Division of Fire at 330-273-8046.
The Brunswick Division of Fire evolved from a volunteer department to part-time and in 1996 established the beginning of a career department. Since 1996 the Division has continued to hire full-time personnel to meet the ever increasing needsof the growing city.
Our current staff consists of twenty-four full time firemedics. Three shifts of eight members provide twenty-four hour service to the community. Minimum staffing on a daily basis consists of six personnel. The administration consists of a Chief and Assistant Chief assisted by two clerical personnel. Four part-time firemedics assist the operation as needed.
During the 1970's the City of Brunswick was one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Today, although the growth is not as rapid as it was years ago, it still continues. Commercial development brings additional visitors into our city. The increased visitor population causes increase in traffic throughout the community. Essentially, this continued growth translates to ever increasing requests for service from the Division of Fire.
The minimum staffing level of six allows for three members to be assigned to each fire station on a daily basis. These members can staff a front line ambulance or a front line engine depending upon the request. Our manpower allows us to handle only two concurrent events when received. Records indicate 18% of the time a first request is received, we will receive a second service request before the first unit becomes available.
Based upon a recent survey conducted of communities with similar population bases, the City of Brunswick spends $87.69 per person based upon our operating budget and population base. Similar sized communities spend between $80.42 per person and up to $377.87 per person.
We are working together to create a community of excellence and strive to accomplish our mission statement.
