Months after Partial Collapse, Columbus, OH, Fire Station Roof Still Not Repaired
A blue tarp is draped over a section of the roof at Columbus Fire Station 18.
When part of the roof collapsed in May, Mayor Andrew Ginther said it would repaired quickly. But, that hasn't happened.
"I think is really disrespectful to the first responders and to this community," South Linden Area Commissioner Wayne Mason told a WBNS reporter.
The tarp was put on the station a few weeks ago in an effort to curb the leaks. Photos Mason took show rags stuffed into walls to help curtail the water.
Work is now slated to begin next month. But, Mason isn't confident that wil happen.
He voiced concern about the health of firefighters and EMS crews who respond from the building.
"They need to understand just how important this fire station is to this community. How important these workers are, these first responders to our community. They shouldn't be put last."
When asked why the roof hasn't been repaired, the mayor said: "You know, it's a top priority and we've got to get it fixed and addressed, and that's why I am proposing in this capital budget one of the largest investments ever into both fire apparatus and fire facility renovations."
Mason said he has heard the promises before.
"Those promises that were made in May, they made again in June or July and we are in September right now. Do I believe you? I'm from Missouri, show me," Mason said.
About the Author
Susan NicolSusan 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.