Engine/Rescue 401
2023 Pierce Saber
First out on most fire calls. Engine and rescue in one truck, so the pump and the rescue tools arrive together.
Our History
Serving Killbuck Township
For nearly a hundred years, Killbuck Township Fire & EMS has served the Village of Killbuck, Killbuck Township and the surrounding communities. It began around 1930, when local residents answered calls for help using hand-pulled fire carts.
By the late 1950s, members had built their own tanker and started ambulance and rescue service with a Buick ambulance. The Ladies Auxiliary formed in 1960 — these women took first-aid classes, assisted firefighters during fires and floods, and provided meals and support through long emergencies, a tradition of service that helped strengthen the department.
Today we answer more than 280 calls a year: fires, medical emergencies, crashes and mutual-aid calls. Members carry pagers to work, to church, and to their kids’ ballgames, and they leave when the tone drops.
From hand-pulled carts to modern fire and EMS equipment, one thing has never changed — our commitment to serving this community.
Milestones
Ninety Years of Answering the Call
- c. 1930Local residents answer calls for help with hand-pulled fire carts.
- 1936The department buys its first motorized fire vehicle.
- 1947The department is reorganized.
- Late 1950sMembers build their own tanker and begin ambulance and rescue service with a Buick ambulance.
- 1960The Ladies Auxiliary is officially formed.
- 1968A controlled burn clears the way for our current station.
- 1979The department moves beyond the old “fire phones” in members’ homes.
- 1986The first Jaws of Life is purchased.
- 2018Part-time daytime staffing begins.
- 2019Voters approve funding for our current Medic 54.
- 2026Saturday staffing is added.
Mission Statement
It is our mission to provide the highest standard of service to all those who may seek our help; to respond to emergencies in a professional and courteous manner; to protect life, property, and the environment through emergency mitigation, public education and code enforcement.
Vision Statement
What We Are Working Toward
- To provide an acceptable level of emergency care and fire protection at the most affordable cost to our customers
- To be a community oriented service provider while maintaining focus on our core objectives
- To treat our customers with the consideration and compassion they deserve in their time of need
- To be good neighbors to the Holmes Fire District #1, Richland Township, and surrounding communities
- To partner with private businesses, local government, and public organizations to develop and implement innovative life safety risk reduction programs
- To encourage, educate, develop and promote our youth as our community’s most valuable resource and asset
- To treat our fellow members with respect, admiration, and compassion for the challenges they face
- To appreciate our members for their dedication, recognize them for their contributions, and reward them for their achievements
- To conduct ourselves in a professional manner deserving of the pride and praise of our community
- To be fair and honest in our dealings with local government and outside agencies
- To be recognized as leaders in our industry and our community
- To continually monitor our operations, administration, and service delivery, recognize our limitations, and swiftly implement effective change when necessary
Statement of Core Values
What We Hold Ourselves To
We, the members of Killbuck Township Fire & EMS, are committed to the following values in our interactions with coworkers and customers.
Professionalism
In application, appearance, attitude and standards.
Integrity
Demonstrate honesty and fairness.
Compassion
Demonstrate kindness and empathy.
Responsibility and Accountability
Professionally, personally and fiscally responsible for our actions.
Respect
For each other, our Department, our customers, and the citizens and visitors of the Village and Township of Killbuck.
Diversity
Be open minded and responsive to the uniqueness of our community without regard to age, gender, religion or ethnic origin.
Commitment
In all department endeavors.
Teamwork
Encourage unity and a cooperative attitude.
Health and Safety
Personal and professional health and safety is paramount in fulfilling the mission of Killbuck Township Fire & EMS.
What We Run
Our Apparatus
Each truck has a job. Together they let a rural department handle everything from a chimney fire to a field fire miles from a hydrant.
Medic 54
2018 Ford F550
Our front-line ALS ambulance. Township voters approved the funding for it in 2019.
Tanker 406
2006 Pierce Contender
Most of the township has no hydrants. Tanker 406 hauls the water to the fire.
Medic 74
2011 Ram 4500
Our second ALS ambulance — out the door when a call needs two medic units.
Brush 410
2016 Ford F350
Built for field and woods fires, where a full-size engine cannot follow.
Utility 402
2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Support and utility vehicle. Hauls equipment and people to wherever the scene needs them.
Off-Road Rescue
2025 Can-Am Defender 6×6
Six wheels for everything off the road. Carries a skid pump for brush fires and a basket for bringing patients out.
Water Rescue
Water Rescue Boat
Launched for water calls on the creek and area ponds.