Hines named assistant fire chief for MVFD

The Mount Vernon Fire Department has begun to fill open positions created by the loss of assistant fire chief Josh Lester, who took a job with another department.

MVFD Chief Chad Christopher reported at a news conference Tuesday that Nate Hines has been promoted to assistant chief to replace Lester. In response to that promotion, Tom Calland was promoted to Hines’ former position of EMS coordinator, and Nathaniel Wolf has been hired as a full-time firefighter. Wolf has been with the department in a part-time capacity for nearly two years and recently received his medic certification.

Christopher also reported his department received the new medic that was ordered a while back. He said they will have an official push-in ceremony for the vehicle on May 21 at 11 a.m.

The fire department has been busy with training recently, using the abandoned buildings the city purchased for the relocation of State Route 13 through the city. The buildings on South Mulberry Street will see a lot of fire trucks, medics and firefighters using them as training aides before they are torn down for the road project.

Christopher also reported the department is gearing up for its insurance grading. The department is graded approximately every five years on the department, emergency communication and water availability in their coverage area. A good result could help the city with its insurance premiums.

Mount Vernon Police Assistant Chief Andy Burns reported on several good items for his department. He said they have received three new vehicles as part of their regular rotation and received word they will receive approximately $15,000 for a grant for the detective’s division.

Burns said Safety Town is off and running, as are events for PAK United. The group will be participating in the Kids to Park Day on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ariel-Foundation Park and have several other events scheduled this summer.

City Inspector Scott Zimmerman reported work continues on cleaning up legislation for nuisance properties as well as cleaning up the city. The city clean-up day will be Saturday, from 8 a.m. until noon at Ariel-Foundation Park. He also said his office will be part of the Kids to the Park Day and that turnout was outstanding for the Yard Sale Trail with 56 residents signed up last weekend.

Zimmerman said they are ready to launch the new FOG (fats, oils, greases) laws. They are also looking into grant money to help combat illegal dumping in the city.

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr reported that North Sandusky Street between West Sugar and West Burgess streets will be closed Monday and Tuesday, May 11-12, for the installation of utilities. The work is part of a Community Development Block Grant project.

He also reminded residents that Wednesday, May 13, is National Bicycle to Work Day.