Springfield Fire Rescue Division

As they have for years, Local 333 of the IAFF raised money for the MDA to support Jerry's Kids. This year, L333 raised $23,612.58, which is second in Ohio to only Cleveland. This money goes for research into defeating this disease, and just this year several more promising drugs have been developed, all due to the money that is donated. While the firefighters have worked hard to raise this money, the credit goes to the generosity of the citizens of Springfield, who should be very proud of our community.

Any EMS agency in the State of Ohio must have a Medical Director to oversee the medical care and training by the EMTs and Paramedics. The Division's is Dr. Jenny Guest, which she has done for several years now and has been very closely involved with education and policy decisions revolving around medicine. Today, 9/17/26, Chief King presented Dr. Guest with a uniform polo shirt and a job shirt with designation as Medical Director.

Truck 8 working with E5 and recruits on aerial operations.

Yesterday, 9/16/26 was the retirement for Firefighter Chester Roberts, after 19 years of service to the City of Springfield. The ceremony was held at Station 8, his last duty station, where he was given the the Meritorious Service Award.

Today, 9/16/26, A Unit was dispatched to I-70 for a possible hazmat incident near Ext 42. Responding companies R1, HM1, Chief 1, Chief 3 and Box 27. Other agencies that responded were Bethel Twp. (Clark) FD, Huber Hgts. FD, Fairborn FD, and Wright-Patt AFBFD. Law enforcement was Clark County Sheriff's Office, Ohio State Patrol, and ODOT and Ohio EPA also responded. The call was for a fire on a semi-truck hauling automotive supplies, which completely destroyed the truck. Some diesel fuel was spilled from the saddle tanks, but there was no other spill of hazardous materials. The driver escaped safely and there were no injuries to any firefighters. I-70 was closed down for several hours while this event was being mitigated.

This nighttime view from the Esplanade, looking north, shows crews battling a fire in the four-story 1899 King Building on the west side of Fountain. Late on September 15, 1956, merchant policeman Charles Combs smelled smoke at Peters Appliance Company. Patrolman Marvin Peters investigated and pulled the alarm, and firefighters arrived just after 11pm to flames shooting from the upper windows. Crowds gathered to watch after the adjacent IOOF Building and State Theater evacuated. The heat from the flames could be felt a half-block away, and sparks struck the roof of the First National Bank Building a block off. The fire was controlled after a couple of hours, but destroyed the upper three floors, used as storage for Peoples Outfitting Co., which was next door in the Arcue Building. Damage surpassed $400,000, and most first-floor tenants relocated. The building, partly owned by Wittenberg, was later sold and demolished by early 1957.

Today, the Springfield Fire Rescue Division gathered at each of our fire stations to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

At every station, personnel solemnly retired the existing American flag and raised a new flag to half-staff in observance of Patriot Day. To ensure our nation’s colors remained flying throughout the ceremony, members at Fire Station 1 displayed a special American flag presented to SFRD by retired FDNY Lieutenant Joe Torrillo.

Lieutenant Torrillo, a 25-year FDNY veteran, responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and miraculously survived the collapse of both towers. The flag he entrusted to our Division has traveled throughout the United States and serves as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, resilience, unity, and remembrance.

A special thank-you to Battalion Chief Jeremy Linn for developing and coordinating today’s ceremonies across the Division and arranging the presentation of this extraordinary flag. His efforts created a meaningful opportunity for our members and community to honor the legacy of September 11.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Commissioners Tracey Tackett and Andy Rigsbee, our SFRD retirees, Box 27 Associates, and the citizens who joined us at our fire stations. Your presence and support helped make this commemoration especially meaningful.

We will never forget the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage of the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, military members, and ordinary citizens who answered the call.

Learn more about Lieutenant Torrillo’s remarkable story: Joe Torrillo — 9/11 Survivor⁠

Never Forget. 🇺🇸

Twenty-five years later, we remember.

On Friday, September 11, 2026, the Springfield Fire Rescue Division will honor the lives lost, the courage displayed, and the enduring sacrifices resulting from the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Each SFRD engine house will conduct a simple and solemn flag ceremony:

🇺🇸 8:30 a.m. — Retire and fold the current flag
🇺🇸 8:46 a.m. — Raise the new flag and observe a moment of silence
🇺🇸 8:48 a.m. — Lower the flag to half-staff in observance of Patriot Day

The community is welcome to join us at any SFRD fire station, including Fire Station 1, for this remembrance.

Springfield Public Safety personnel will also attend the community First Responder Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at Veterans War Memorial Park, located inside Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum in Section R. The public is invited to attend.

May we continue to honor those we lost by remembering their courage, service, and sacrifice.

Never forgotten.