Marlboro Township fire and police departments announce promotions, levy details and community fundraisers

The Marlboro Township Fire Department held its annual open house Oct. 12, offering cookies, punch and a chance for visitors to explore fire equipment. Earlier in the month, on Oct. 2, Marlboro Elementary students participated in Fire Safety Day, thanking firefighters for their safety talks and tours. The department also reminded residents that Ohio’s statewide burn ban is in effect Oct. 1 through May 31. During that time, open burning is only permitted between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., when conditions allow.

The department also announced the promotion of four firefighters — Tom Blessing, Bre Eyer, Trey McBride and Randy Monroe — to the rank of lieutenant. Over the next year, they will serve in a probationary period, mentored by senior officers and taking on additional leadership, training and administrative duties.

At the open house, Police Chief Ron Devies and several officers met with residents and encouraged support for the Marlboro Township Police Levy, which appears as Issue 20 on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. The department thanked those who have already displayed yard signs or voiced support.

Since 1957, the Marlboro Township Police Department has provided safety, security and emergency response for nearly 4,500 residents across 36.5 square miles. Unplanned expenses over the past year have added nearly $100,000 in annual costs, largely due to rising dispatch, records and equipment fees. Present officer wages remain among the lowest in Stark County, and three full-time officers left in 2024 for higher-paying departments.

The proposed levy would maintain 24/7 protection and continue services such as vacation checks, medical first response and event security. Officials emphasize that the measure is not an expansion but a means to preserve essential services. More information is available at support.marlboropolicelevy.com.

During the open house, fire personnel sold #CalebStrong bracelets to support the family of Captain Joe Hagan, whose son, Caleb, was recently diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma/leukemia. A spaghetti dinner fundraiser benefiting the Hagan family will be held Nov. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. Proceeds will go directly to the cause, and supporters can also purchase T-shirts at tinyurl.com/Caleb-Strong and supporter.pcwrt.org.

Fire Chief John Hagan also shared a story about firefighter Trey McBride, who recently asked if his three sons — all cadets in the department — could be baptized using one of the fire department’s dump tanks. “I couldn’t think of an act that better represents the kind of members I want serving my family and community,” Hagan said. “God bless Liam, Alasdair and Iain McBride, and God bless the Marlboro Fire Company.”