The Bellbrook Fire Department's 24-hour coverage program, first launched on May 30, 1999, has dropped initial fire and EMS response times from three to four minutes to less than one minute Ð 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The program includes three career firefighters who work a three day rotation of 24 hours on duty, followed by 48 hours off, and was made possible by funding from the November 1998 replacement fire levy passed by city voters.

The two-person crew responds to calls for service with an advanced life support medic or a fast attack fire suppression engine.

Volunteer firefighters and EMTs have also made the jump, as more than 12 also serve as part-time firefighters working alongside the career staff. During times when they're not on part-time duty, volunteers still respond to bring additional manpower and equipment to emergency scenes.

Chief Scott Hall added that he is incredibly pleased with the program's short-term results.

"More projects are being completed, apparatus is better maintained, but most importantly, our service to the citizens has improved from great to exceptional," he said. "With the crews on station 24-hours a day, we can get to any address in the city within three or four minutes. This improvement in response can greatly increase our probability of providing a positive outcome to a fire or emergency medical call."

With more staff on duty, plans are already underway for Fire Prevention Week in October. Firefighters will visit kids in kindergarten through fifth grades at Sugarcreek schools and will celebrate with the community at the annual Fire Department Community Open House on Oct. 5, 1999 at Fire Station 2.

Release I99-02