History of Fire Chiefs:

1st Chief of Record- Harold Frazier  1936

Charles Meffley-1939

Walter Bayliff-1940-1965

Wes Myers-1965-1969

Roland Stemen-1969-1971

Darrel Chapman-1971-2001

Ron Mertz-2001-2011

Rick Miller-2011-Present

Some but not all of the more recent improvements to the Department have been:

• Advancement of our EMS Services, including Basic, Advanced and Paramedic level Service.
• 2016 The addition of a new Genesis Cutter/Spreader, Ram and Honda Power Unit on the first out Engine. .
• 2017: The addition of a New Heavy Rescue Vehicle combining 2 Vehicles still providing a Cascade System for filling Firefighter air bottles on scene plus Firefighter rehab and extrication tools.
• 2018: Replacement of our Grass Fire Engine with International 4x4 Chassis and Skid Unit.
• Addition of rescue airbags and vehicle stablizer struts to our Heavy Rescue.
• 2018: Having 95% of our FIrefighters at the Level 1 or Level 2 training level for Firefighter.
• 2019: Replacemnet of our First Due Medic Unit with a Wheeled Coach Ford F450 4x4 Ambulance.
• Over 20 Years holding the Certification of our facility as an accredited EMS Continuing Education Center by the State of Ohio Department of EMS.
• 2022: Station renovations to including,replacing the bay floor,doors,and widening Bays 1 & 2.
• 2022: Replacement of all lighting in the building with LED energy efficient lights.
• 2022: Addition of Diesel Exhaust Extraction system for all Fire and EMS Equipment.
• 2022: Being awarded an AFG Grant for a NEW 2500 gallon Tanker to be delivered early 2024.
• 2024:Receiving NEW 2024 Rosenbauer 2500 gallon Tanker purchased through AFG Grant year 2021.
• 2024:Replacement of 2001 McCoy Miller ALS ambulance with grant money from Auglaize Co. Commisioners to 2013 Wheeled Coach ALS Ambulance.
• 2024:Donation of 1987 United Fire Engine to Cabo San Lucas Fire Department wher it is still in service.
• 2024:Ordering and receiving NEW 2024 Rosenbauer Freightliner 4 door Engine.  1000 gallon of water and this is replacing the 1987 Engine removed from service earlier this year.

The Village water system has been upgraded with a second water tower to make the total water storage 575,000 gallon of water for the Village.  With all these improvements, The Village of Cridersville proudly holds an ISO Fire rating of 4. .

When the fire tone and siren sound in Cridersville today, a dedicated, trained, and well equipped Fire Department, answers the call to action to protect property and help save lives in the Village of Cridersville and vicinity.