The moves mean everyone in the township fire department is full time except for one position.
“The biggest reason we went for a career department was for the stabilization in staffing,” said Deputy Chief Scott Dorsten, Beavercreek Twp. Fire Department. “When we had the part-time force, our staffing was up and down, and an all-career force has now allowed us to stabilize our staffing.”
About 70 people work for the township fire department.
Fire Chief David VandenBos said the department — with four stations currently — is planning to build a new fire station at the intersection of Trebein and Fairgrounds roads this spring. That property was purchased in the late 1970s by the late Chief Bud Crawford, VandenBos said, noting Crawford recognized the growth that was going to happen there.
The chief says both the building and staffing at the Trebein and Fairgrounds roads station will be paid for with current funding.
Andrea Rowland lives in the area and said the new station will help.
“We had an episode a couple of years ago, and it took awhile to get here. I think it will benefit us with it right down the street,” Rowland said.
There also has been discussion of adding a sixth fire station in three to five years near the Greene County airport.
Trustees in recent years have transitioned to a full-time department after a consultant’s report indicated the turnover over rate for township part-time firefighters averaged 31 percent compared to 5 percent for those who work full time. An average of 8.4 part-time firefighters leave the township annually for full-time jobs in other jurisdictions, according to the report.
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