As I step into my new role as Fire Chief of the Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District, I am filled with excitement and gratitude. This opportunity has allowed me to meet our dedicated firefighters, who pour their hearts into serving our community. It is truly inspiring to witness the pride and commitment that the residents of Chillicothe and surrounding areas have for our shared home. Your dedication makes this community a remarkable place to live and work.

Chillicothe is experiencing growth, and with this expansion comes new responsibilities for our fire department. The increasing number of residential homes, solar farms, and businesses presents opportunities and challenges. In the coming year, we anticipate new response challenges requiring our department to adapt and evolve. We are committed to enhancing our training programs to meet these demands, ensuring our personnel are well-prepared to tackle any situation.

As we navigate this growth, we must stay informed about emerging technologies and trends, such as solar energy systems and electric vehicles. Understanding the unique challenges posed by new types of construction will be a primary focus for us in 2025. Investing in education and training will equip our firefighters with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to these modern challenges effectively. Our goal is to ensure that our fire department keeps pace with the changes in our community and continues to provide exceptional service to our residents.

Collaboration is key to our success, and we will continue strengthening our relationships with neighboring fire departments. These partnerships are invaluable when we require additional support during emergencies. By fostering a spirit of cooperation, we can enhance our collective capabilities and ensure a swift and effective response to any possible incident.

Recruitment and retention of volunteers remain a top priority for our department. Our firefighters are volunteers who generously dedicate their time away from family, work, and other commitments to serve the community. Their selflessness is commendable, and we recognize the immense dedication it takes to balance these responsibilities. We will actively work on initiatives to attract new volunteers while supporting our current members in their invaluable roles.

In addition to our emergency response duties, the Chillicothe Fire Department is deeply committed to supporting community functions. We take pride in participating in local parades, food drives, and various fundraisers, especially during the holiday season. Our members are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those around us, and we are honored to contribute to the well-being of our community.

As we embark on this journey through 2025, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all community members for your unwavering support. A special thanks go to our dedicated firefighters and their families, who exemplify courage, commitment, and support, and to the board members who work tirelessly to provide us with the necessary resources to perform our duties effectively.

Here’s to a safe and prosperous 2025! We look forward to engaging with all of you in the community, and together, we will continue to make Chillicothe a wonderful place to live.