Firefighters attend meeting in support of fire chief

Mayor Steve Smith read a letter from Dover Fire Chief Russ Volkert about the improvements that have been made in the Strasburg Fire Department since Fire Chief Steve Laskey was named full-time chief in 2022.

Volkert said the response time has improved, and it is less often other departments are called to assist in emergencies.

During the Dec. 5 meeting, several current firefighters, EMTs and paramedics attended in support of Laskey. Negative comments have been circulating, and the firefighters wanted to set the record straight. They want the community to know they completely support their chief.

Public speaks

Assistant Fire Chief Steve Joki, an 11-year member of the department, said Laskey met with each firefighter prior to starting the job. Joki said the response time is improved, they have better leadership and are receiving additional training, reducing the need for mutual aid. He thanked council for hiring Laskey.

Brittani Joki, an EMT and paramedic, said the firefighters in the past were called two-tones, meaning they were missing calls, and the brown bottle department, saying firemen were often too drunk to respond to calls. Joki said they do not have those nicknames any longer. She said as far as the ox roast and fish fry events, members do not have time to work a festival; they are too busy protecting residents and involved in training. She said the end of the ox roast was not Laskey’s decision, and the community continues to tear them down. She also said the BCI investigation of the social side of the fire department has not been completed.

Mayor-elect Bruce Metzger said the firemen drank during fundraisers; however, several stayed sober to respond to calls.

Fireman Andrew Brahm said Laskey is the best man for the job. “He is the best boss I have ever had; he is always there and holds us together.”

“I came here a perfect stranger. I never considered the employees worked for me but work with me. They are my family. We are very open with each other. Thank you for coming to the meeting,” Laskey said.

Council adopted a resolution authorizing tuition reimbursement of about $13,000 for fire chief training. Laskey will receive a bachelor’s degree online and is guaranteed to remain at the helm for five years. Council member Marty Zehnder voted no.

“Laskey has made improvements to the department. It is growing, and people need to support it. Times are changing, and I am not taking anything away from the volunteers who served over the years,” council member Dustin Briggs said.

Council also did the following:

—Adopted an ordinance clarifying limit of overtime compensation for nonexempt employees. Zehnder cast the lone no vote.

—Passed an ordinance establishing the rates of pay and other benefits for elected officials and employees, effective Jan. 1. Mayor Steve Smith broke a 3-3 tie vote. Zehnder, Liz Dreher and Don Wallick voted no. Briggs, Kathy Burrier and Jeff Smith voted yes.

—Passed an ordinance regarding firefighters’ tuition reimbursement.

—Passed an ordinance issuing a two-year contract to Terry Seeberger, village solicitor/law director.

—Agreed to have the county auditor certify the evaluation of taxable real estate to place a police levy on the ballot either in the spring or fall. Zehnder and Briggs voted no.

—Approved a resolution authorizing transfer of funds from the Joint Economic Development District into the village’s general fund.

—Agreed to look at investing JEDD funds in Star Ohio.

—Promoted Solomon Cox to Laborer II and Kres Kiser to Laborer III in the utility department. They have received licenses to operate the wastewater treatment plant.

Other information

The police responded to 171 calls in November.

The next meeting will be held Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.