About YOUR Department

HISTORY

The Somerset Township Fire Department and Rescue was founded September 1st, 1977 when a group of concerned citizens realized that the township needed a fire department.  Through months of hard work and dedication, that group obtained the equipment and training necessary to start the department.  On June 1st, 1979 the department went into service.

Since that time, the department has grown continuously in its capabilities and the service it is able to provide to township citizens.  On September 1st, 1994, the department began providing a Medical First Responder rescue service.  This is designed to operate in conjunction with the Reading Emergency Unit ambulance service which operates out of our station.   The ambulance is staffed by a full time day crew and is also operated under a mutual aid agreement by members of the fire department. 

It is interesting to note that from 1996 - 2001 our department has been the busiest in terms of call volume of all Hillsdale County departments.  This is due to the size of our Township coupled with the population density of the Lake LeAnn / Lake Somerset area.

EQUIPMENT

The Department currently operates with 7 apparatus and over 25 VOLUNTEER personnel.  The apparatus includes (1) Pumper – Crimson 1500/1000 on a Spartan 6-man cab, (1) Pumper - 4Guys 1000/1000, (1) tanker - our New S&S 2400 gallon on a 6-man Spartan Chassis.   There are two Grass Rigs for field and grass fires.  One of the Grass Rigs carries a portable pump capable of pumping 500 gallons per minute to fill tankers from lakes, ponds or streams.  We have an ambulance for medical emergencies and accidents.  Finally, we have a Rescue Boat, designed especially for water rescue and a mobile training unit.

It is important to note that we were able to purchase the Rescue One boat primarily from private funds raised by fire department personnel.  The cost to the township has been so little, and yet this has added immensely to our capabilities.

TRAINING

We currently have one Paramedic, ten EMT Basics, and three Medical First Responders.  The department also has 20 persons trained in Hazardous Materials to the operational level.   Besides the State required Firefighter training, there are monthly medical continuing education trainings and monthly fire trainings.  These are required to (sigh) keep up with State mandated fire and medical licenses. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Besides the fire and rescue work that the members provide to the community, we also host or co-host several community events.  These include an annual Easter egg Hunt, Halloween Open House, Swimming Lessons and Hunting and Boater Safety Classes.  Each November, we have our annual Feather Party, and at Christmas we contribute to the 'Adopt a Family' program.