After Deadly Fire, Captain Injured, Champion Township, OH, Chief Sounds Alarm

    May 16, 2025
    "We had a police chief throwing ladders, trying to get people out of the house," Champion Township Fire Chief Tom Dempsey said.

    Champion Township fire chief has stepped up his plea for additional staffing following a deadly house fire Wednesday.

    "We had a police chief throwing ladders, trying to get people out of the house..." Fire Chief Tom Dempsey told WFMJ. 

    Bob Antonelli, 72, died in the fire while Capt. Brandon Quiggle sustained second-degree burns on his face, neck, and chest.

    "I talked to him last night and this morning. He'll be out a couple of weeks, but he's in the process of healing," the chief said.

    He explained how voters turned down a measure that would have boosted ranks in the fire and police departments.

    "Nobody wants new taxes. I understand that, but I also have a job to do, to identify the deficiencies in my department," the chief added.

    "I don't know if it would've turned out different yesterday. That was a quick-moving fire, an intense fire," Dempsey added. 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    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. 

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