Division of Fire

Mission Statement

"To protect and safeguard life and property from fire or hazardous conditions: to provide emergency medical treatment to those in need."

The mission statement of the City of Lakewood, Division of Fire is accomplished under the leadership of Chief Scott Gilman, through a fire and medical rescue delivery system consisting of fire prevention, fire safety education, fire and medical rescue operations and hazard abatement. There are 88 members of the Division of Fire, organized as the staff or support function and the line or operations function.

The staff function is comprised of Fire Administration, the Fire Prevention Bureau, and the Mechanics Division.

• The Fire Administration handles the business end of the division, ensuring that firefighters and paramedics are properly equipped to provide outstanding service. It oversees the daily operating procedures and acts as liaison for the public.
• The Fire Marshal and Fire Inspector make up the Fire Prevention Bureau, which is responsible for fire investigations. They also conduct all high-hazard target inspections - schools, day care centers, high-rise buildings and industrial operations - and re-inspect all commercial properties cited through the fire company inspection program. Fire safety education programs are provided by the Bureau annually to Lakewood students - in the spring, during Severe Weather Safety Week, in the summer through the Aluminum Cans for Burned Children safety house tour, and in the fall during Fire Prevention Week.
• The Mechanics Division is responsible for the preventative maintenance and repair of the emergency vehicle fleet and the three fire stations.

The line function involves three frontline fire companies and three medical rescue squads.

• Station #1, located at 14601 Madison Avenue (at Warren), houses Truck #1, an 105' aerial pumper, an advanced life support ambulance Squad, and an Assistant Chief's vehicle available for immediate emergency response.
• The primary responsibilities are fire/rescue and medical response operations. However, firefighters also respond to hazardous conditions such as gas leaks, downed power lines, and chemical emergencies. Engine Companies perform commercial building inspections, building pre-plans, and in the spring, annual hydrant testing and maintenance.
• Station #2, located at 18124 Detroit Avenue (at Kenilworth), and Station #3, located at 12567 Clifton Boulevard (east of Nicholson) each house an Engine and an advanced life support ambulance Squad.
• All Division of Fire personnel are trained in the use of automatic electronic defibrillators (AEDs) and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In addition, all Paramedics are advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) certified. They are required to remain knowledgeable of current medical issues, and skilled in the use of modern medical equipment.
• EMS personnel conduct Community Education training programs throughout the year, including CPR classes for lifeguards and coaches, and AED training for staff at defibrillator sites. There are currently 22 AEDs strategically located throughout Lakewood, at sites where significant numbers of people congregate and are at highest risk for cardiac arrest, such as athletic facilities and senior centers.
• Fire Personnel:
  • Total Members: 87
  • Paramedics: 13
  • Firefighter/Paramedics: 27
  • Firefighter/EMTs: 13
  • Firefighter: 34

The wide range of duties performed by Division of Fire personnel and the training required to perform these duties may not be well-known. Our service to the community involves responses to motor vehicle accidents, home lock-ins and lock-outs, public assistance requests, carbon monoxide investigations, water and cliff rescues, hazard investigations, and false alarms. We also participate in the West Shore Hazardous Materials Response Team, providing support to, and ensuring support from, our neighboring communities of Rocky River, Westlake, Bay Village, Fairview Park and North Olmsted, should an environmental emergency arise.

While serving a population of approximately 57,000, within 5.5 square miles, we responded to 1,256 fire & various other calls, including 21 large-loss fires, and 5,208 emergency medical calls in 2010. We take great pride in delivering high-quality services to the community, and hope our dedication is evident each time we come in close contact with residents and visitors alike, during fire and medical emergencies in homes or on the streets of Lakewood.