Careers & Education

First Career Firefighters Take Oaths at Northwood, OH, Fire Department

Sept. 24, 2024

Northwood Fire Department, which has served the community for more than 70 years, was struggling to fill shifts.

History was made at Nortwood Fire Department Monday night as its first career firefighters raised their right hands.

"It's really going to be beneficial to us because we're going to be able to dedicate that at least one person will be around, but minimum staffing is now going to be up to three people now," Northwood Fire Chief Joel Whitmore said.

William Hadder, Amanda Hughes and Noah Cornelison are the full-time firefighters, all becoming the constant in a staff of over 40 and providing extra hands at all times, WTOL reported.

Whitmore said they've only had a minimum of two staff members on hand during all shifts.

"It was really hard to fill those shifts. We would have gaps in coverage and it was just a struggle to maintain that staffing, so by allowing us to get that extra person here, it just ensures that we have a person available."

By May, crews had responded to 556 calls.

The department also provides mutual aid to the cities of Oregon, Perrysburg and Toledo, as well as the Toledo Refinery Company.

"Everybody has that need, and just nobody wants to do it anymore," Whitmore said. "It's tough work."

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.