ELFD swears in two firefighters/medics
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EAST LIVERPOOL-- Despite many fire departments dealing with a severe shortage of staff, the two new firefighters/medics sworn in on April 3, brings the East Liverpool Fire Department just two shy of being fully staffed.
Mayor Gregory Bricker swore in the two firefighters/medics. The ceremony was attended by fellow firefighters, family members and city officials gathered in council chambers in city hall to congratulate the department's newest members.
Both Jason Reinke who became a fire fighter in January 2006 and Mark D'Angelo, who has been a firefighter 30 years, come to the department as experienced fire fighters/medics.
Reinke said being a firefighter just kind of fell into his lap. He had a lot of friends who were firefighters and his family has a history working in the EMS field.
"There were a lot of things that drove me to it," Reinke said. "I like helping people out and I thought that was the best way to do it. "
Reinke is a Middletown resident who decided to join the East Liverpool Fire Department because he saw the need for the ambulance service when it was being discussed several years ago.
"As things transpired, the opportunity arose and I decided they needed assistance down here helping and I was willing to come down and give it a shot," Reinke said. "I enjoy being down here and as far as working it just seems to be a great place for my career."
A Mahoning County resident, D'Angelo was hired from the co-op with the ambulance service where he has been working for the past four years. He chose to work in East Liverpool after one of his friends told him there was an opening.
"I took a chance and knew it was going to be a good fit," he said. "It's been four years and it's probably the best job I've ever had."
D'Angelo described his job as a firefighter/medic as a fine job he loves doing. He enjoys the different people he meets.
"You get to help people and you can do all kinds of good stuff," he said.
The need for the additional fire fighters/medics was a direct result of the fire department taking over ambulance/EMS services for the city.
"We are excited to have Jason and Mark on board with us," said Fire Chief Bill Jones. "We are able to put them right to work as they have their training in place. We have already assigned them to their respective shifts to start and they will start working 24 hours on and 48 hours off this week. Their experience and knowledge will be a great asset to us as the East Liverpool Fire Department begins this EMS journey on its own."
The city assumed EMS responsibilities on April 5.
According to Jones, the lateral transfer program, which was instituted by the city's civil service commission, has paid off greatly for the fire department which appreciates the hard work put forth by the commission to get them to this point and provide them with that option.
Jones hopes to begin interviews soon to fill one or two more firefighter/medic positions.
"I appreciate the support we have received from Mayor Bricker, the entire East Liverpool council, Auditor (Marilyn) Bosco, and my staff to be able to pull this venture off in under 30 days so that the City of East Liverpool would not be without an ambulance," Jones said. "This was an example of tremendous teamwork for one common goal, and that's to make East Liverpool a safe place to visit and call home. As we have operated in the past our co-op ambulance will be available for mutual aid responses outside the city if we are needed."
Jones reminded residents the ambulance/EMS service will operate with a soft billing which means East Liverpool residents will not receive a bill for service. Billing will be sent to insurance and the department will accept what insurance pays.
Residents may call 911 for any emergency inside the city or call the East Liverpool Fire Department direct for fire, rescue, or an ambulance at 330-385-1111
kgarabrandt@mojonews.com