Ross Wind appointed Community Risk Reduction Inspector and Educator for MVFD

Mount Vernon Fire Chief Chad Christopher announced that Ross Wind will be taking over as the new Community Risk Reduction Inspector and Educator for the MVFD.

Wind, who has been with the department since 2022, has experience as a fire inspector and recently received training in arson investigation. He has spent time with the College Township and Fredericktown fire departments.

Christopher said Wind’s main focus will be businesses in the MVFD area. He will inspect businesses, making sure they are compliant with fire safety regulations.

“We look forward to Ross joining that department. He’s going to do a great job and assist Terry (Davis) with home inspection,” Christopher said. “But his main focus will be getting into businesses and doing our life safety inspections. Making sure our storage is staying within range and our exit lights and fire extinguishers are working. We just want to bring everybody into compliance, so our businesses are safe and our patrons are safe while visiting our businesses.”

With that promotion, there is an opening for a lateral hire at MVFD. Christopher said anyone interested in applying can fill out an application found on the city’s web site (www.mtvernonoh.gov).

Christopher also reported the department will be training in grain bin rescues this week and that the firefighters’ monthly training will focus on forcible entry while the EMS’ will be on pharmacology.

He also reiterated that the statewide burn ban continues through November. Residents outside of the city limits are prohibited from having an open burn between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. He also asked city residents to refrain from burning leaves, as it creates spores that can be harmful to breathe.

MVFD will once again be a drop-off site for Toys For Tots Drive. Residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the station for delivery to underprivileged children.

The MVFD had 494 fire and emergency runs in October, giving it 5,218 for the year.

Mount Vernon Police Chief Robert Morgan reported they are working with the design team and looking for a Construction Manager At Risk for the new police station on Sychar Road. Legislation will be introduced to council at a future meeting to sign a contract with the CMAR.

Morgan also reported the new K-9 has completed training. The black German Shepherd will work with K-9 handler John Cox, who previously worked with a dog while working with the Danville Police Department.

October has been a busy and eventful month, according to Morgan. The department’s call numbers were down a bit (from a normal average of 1,400 calls to just over 1,300 in October), but they have been busy with Halloween events around the city, including two Trunk or Treat events. He said Trick or Treat night in the city was a nice, safe event.

City Inspector Scott Zimmerman reported there are 543 active cases under his jurisdiction in the city. As fall and cooler weather has returned, Zimmerman said they are focusing more on building and structure issues.

He said anyone receiving a code enforcement letter from his department, whether it be high grass, inoperable vehicles or structure issues, should call him or Code Enforcement Officer Brian Marvin if they have questions about their letter.

Zimmerman also reminded city residents that any signs, whether it be for the election or home sale or any advertisement, needs to be at least 10 feet off the road and behind the sidewalks, if there is one on the street.

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr reported he and Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers recently returned from a meeting in Washington, D.C., with representatives from Congressman Troy Balderson’s office. They were there to request federal funding for the wastewater treatment plant project.

He also asked residents to once again step up and donate to food pantries and the Food For The Hungry Drive, which will be kicking off soon.