Wooster Township Fire Department seeks support for new station
Capital campaign aims to fund Heyl Road facility
A conceptual rendering shows the proposed new Wooster Township Fire Station on Heyl Road. The final design may vary but is expected to closely resemble the rendering. The department is seeking support for its capital campaign to improve emergency coverage, response times and firefighter safety.Submitted
Wooster Township Fire Department is asking the community to support a capital campaign for a new fire station at 838 Heyl Road.
“After careful review of multiple professional evaluations and operational needs,” Fire Chief Dallas Terrell said, “It has become overwhelmingly clear that this project is essential to safeguarding the lives, property and well-being of our residents.”
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The project is currently 63% funded with $3 million in federal grant funds and initial community contributions. The department now welcomes donations and community support as they work to bring the project to completion.
“Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities we have, and this fire station is a critical investment in that mission,” Wooster Township Board of Trustees member Matt Ogden said. “We as a board are grateful to be working alongside such a dedicated and outstanding fire department whose commitment to serving our community makes projects like this so meaningful. We also are grateful to the previous board of trustees for their foresight in purchasing the property (that will be the site of the new station).”
The current Wooster Township Fire Department station was built in 1958 and has served as the department's home ever since. During that time the township's population has grown considerably, and with that growth, the need for emergency services, equipment and staff has increased. At the same time, as with any 68-year-old building, maintenance needs have increased while a larger staff and added equipment have crowded and overwhelmed the current location's capacity.
“Location, location, location," Trustee Mike Lindeman said. "That is one key component for a new firehouse. Wooster Township’s population has and will continue to expand over time. The new location will put us at the center of our population to best serve the community and Triway Local Schools.”
Pipes and ceiling leaks during heavy rains show the limitations of Wooster Township Fire Department’s current stationSubmitted
The many physical limitations of the current station include flooding, roof leaks and foundation issues; mixed HVAC/MEP systems, seven total, with failing components; septic system maxed out (renovation requires expensive sewer connection and lift station); only four double- and triple-deep bays causing constant apparatus reshuffling and delayed responses; inadequate space for training, office work, storage, turnout gear and decontamination; insufficient and outdated living areas; traffic congestion and flooding on surrounding roads further delay emergency responses; and violation of current modern siting standards (near traffic light, high-traffic roadway and no expansion room).
The new site will greatly improve the department’s ability to cover the township. Current coverage within a 6-minute range is 60%. The new facility will increase that to 90% coverage including improved access and response time to the highest call-volume neighborhoods and Triway Local Schools.
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The Heyl Road location is a township-owned 9.25-acre parcel with flat terrain and dual access — from both Heyl Road and Columbus Avenue. It will offer an immediate reduction in turnout and response time to the township’s 400-plus calls per year.
With facilities for proper decontamination, ventilation and gear separation, firefighter safety will be greatly enhanced. The new facility will provide room for a modern, purpose-built station and community center, with space to establish a Wooster Township Community Park as part of long-term growth. There will be community training/education spaces as well.
The fundraising goal for the capital campaign for the new fire station and community facility is $6.75 million. There are many opportunities to give with numerous naming options available. All supporters donating $1,000 or more will be recognized, if desired, on a sponsorship plaque inside the new fire station.
Donor levels vary from Fire Chief Sponsorship at $250,000 or more to support with any donation from $1-$999. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
The current Wooster Township Fire Department station has inadequate space for storage, fitness, training, office work, turnout gear and decontamination.Submitted
Naming opportunities include the training rooms, living quarters, fitness room, conference rooms, communications room and kitchen, with donations ranging from $150,000-$500,000.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the campaign is invited to make a check payable to Wooster Township Trustees with New Fire Station on the memo line and mail it to Wooster Township Fire Department, 1917 Millersburg Road, Wooster, OH 44691.
The improvements also will include several additional features for residents.
“This new facility will not only provide better public safety, but also will be an important part of the future of Wooster Township," Trustee Steve Miller said. "At this location we have plans to beautify the property with community-driven additions such as a pavilion, playground, walking track and additional athletic fields. This project is more than just a public safety facility; this project is an investment in the fabric of our community.”
