Lt. Randy Schneider along with firefighters Andrew and Lauren Stephens, CVFD, recently traveled to Maryland to pick up their new Rescue Series One boat to add to their rescue equipment. The boat was purchased with money from fundraising through online raffles and other fundraisers. (Submitted Photo)

ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP — Calcutta Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) responded to a record number of calls for the department in 2025, responding to 365 calls as of Dec. 12, according to Lt. Randy Schneider. This is an increase in calls from 2024 when the department responded to 348.

One of the department’s biggest increases was the number of motor vehicles accidents.

The department, which is currently volunteer with no salaried members, has 26 volunteer firefighters, nine medics/EMTs, one search and rescue, two associates and one K-9 (Solace).

In addition to an increase in call volume, the department also set a record in 2025 by gaining 12 new members, the most gained in one year, according to Schneider.

Several firefighters and EMTs in the department have gone through a variety of trainings for additional certifications and there have been several promotions.

Firefighter Kar Griggs has passed his State Emergency Services Instructor and firefighter Rylan Childs was promoted to EVOC Instructor.

Fire Chief David McCoy was promoted to fire safety inspector for Calcutta after passing his state certification in April and Alex Fantone was promoted from probationary firefighter to firefighter.

The department had four members certified in HAZMAT operations, three as swift water technicians and three in rope rescue operations.

For their rescue efforts following Hurricane Helene in Florida and North Carolina, four members of the department received state accommodation. Members of the department also assisted in search and recovery efforts following the deadly floods in Kerrville, Texas in July and the floods in Prestonsburg, Kentucky in February 2025.

“We learned how larger operations work hands-on and want to thank the public for their donations, which funds and makes these trips possible,” Schneider said.

In 2025, the department added two new community festivals for the public’s enjoyment along with their annual Good Friday Fish Fry, Schneider said. The new festivals which they plan to hold annually include the CVFD Shamrock the Plaza Festival and the CVFD Italian Festival.

Also in 2025, through the help from donations and raffles, the department purchased a rescue raft to serve the township and neighboring departments who are in need of water rescue/recovery services.

Schneider noted that CVFD firefighters made a trip to Columbus to testify before the Ohio House Committee to help get HB 476 passed. The bill allows non-profit organizations to hold online raffles to benefit their organizations.

Members of the CVFD have already addressed the St. Clair Township Board of Trustees in 2025 about becoming a paid department, and in 2026 they would like to obtain assistance from the trustees to put the matter on the ballot and encourage residents to voice their support of the issue.

Schneider said the department is seeking to go from volunteer to paid due to the state and county wide manpower shortages during the day and the larger call volume they keep getting each year.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com