Westerville Fire

Happy Friday! Did you know we practice breaking in? This week, we tackled forcible entry training- learning to quickly & safely handle locked doors & windows during emergencies. First tip: “try before you pry”; sometimes those doors & windows might just be shy! #WFDFunFactFriday

Chief 111, Brian Miller, thank you for over two & a half decades of unwavering service, leadership & commitment to The Westerville Division of Fire & the safety of our citizens. Your legacy continues through those you’ve inspired. We wish you the very best in your retirement!!!

Happy Friday! Did you know we’ve been awarded the 2025 Trauma Care Excellence Award by the OSU Center for EMS? This recognition celebrates our exceptional patient care, assessment & reporting during an EMS response last April. Way to go Station 112 1 Unit! #WFDFunFactFriday

Shortly after midnight, Rehab 2 responded to a residential fire in Harlem Township [1/2] @PlainTwpFire121 @WestervilleFire @BSTG1 @IAFF4250 #fire #firerehab #workingfire

Happy Friday! Did you know in Ohio, firefighters need to serve at least 25 years to qualify for their full pension? This week, we celebrated the 25th anniversaries of three members, & one of them, Dave, also retired! Congrats to Dave, Mark & Matt! #WFDFunFactFriday

The Westerville Division of Fire was recently featured in a segment of "How's It Math?," by Doodles and Digits. Fire personnel showcased how many of the division's daily tasks involve math to spark interest in math for kids. Watch the segment: bit.ly/3Pkd9q6

Congratulations to Firefighter Mark Pavuk on his 25th work anniversary with the Westerville Division of Fire. Thank you for your long-term service to the Westerville and Blendon Township communities.

Congratulations to Firefighter Matthew King on his 25th anniversary with the Westerville Division of Fire. The City is grateful for his dedicated service and commitment to the safety of the Westerville and Blendon Township communities.

We are thrilled to share the retirement of Fire Inspector Dave Wolford! With 25 years of dedicated service, Dave has been an essential member of our Prevention Bureau team as a Fire Investigator. Thank you, Dave, for your unwavering commitment! Wishing you the best in ☀️ Florida!

Join us in celebrating Ashley Wachenschwanz & Steven Dent for earning our Fire Service Award of Merit! They went above and beyond to help a resident during a recent structure fire. A heartfelt thank you for your unwavering dedication!

Happy Friday! Did you know the Arnold Sports Festival features The World’s Strongest Firefighter competition? Our very own, Steven Dent, flexed his muscles last Friday & snagged 8th place among 21 very strong competitors in his weight class! Go, Steven, go! 🏋️‍♂️#WFDFunFactFriday

Happy Friday! Did you know we train in FF CPR in case we have a downed FF? We often practice the "pull down" technique to ensure we can deliver lifesaving compressions while quickly removing their turn-out gear & SCBA. It’s way easier to do CPR without the tank! #WFDFunFactFriday

City Manager Monica Dupee administers the Oath of Office to Deputy Fire Chief Joshua A. Lester during the March 3 Council meeting. Please join us in welcoming Deputy Chief Lester to the City. Learn more at Westerville.org/News.

Happy Friday! Have you ever heard of the Firefighter Mile? It's our test for entry-level Firefighters, featuring 10 tough, physically demanding tasks. We used it for training this week & everyone passed with flying colors! #WFDFunFactFriday

WFD is pleased to announce the appointment of Joshua A. Lester as Deputy Fire Chief, effective March 2. Lester transitions to Westerville following a high-impact tenure as Asst. Chief for the City of Mount Vernon. Learn more: Westerville.org/News

Happy Friday! Big news: Our own John Shearer was honored as Box 15’s Brett Barber Suburban Firefighter of the Year for 2025! Box 15 is a non-profit volunteer group supporting FFs & Brett was their longest-serving member, holding nearly every role! Congrats John! #WFDFunFactFriday

Congrats to WFD Firefighters/Paramedics Jacob Crandall and Morgan Murchland who were sworn in during the Feb. 17 City Council meeting! City Manager Monica Dupee administered the Oath of Office to Crandall and Murchland, followed by greetings from Council and colleagues.

Happy Friday! Did you know we had some hazmat training this week? We practiced techniques for sealing leaks using wood plugs, putty & bung wrenches. If all plugs fail, it's a salvage drum to the rescue! It's a fancy canister for the leaking container to go into. #WFDFunFactFriday

Congratulations to Firefighter Jeffrey Stiver who is celebrating his 25th work anniversary with the Westerville Division of Fire! We are grateful for his long-term service to Westerville and Blendon Township.