Celebrating 130 years of saving lives
By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
Dozens of people showed up to honor, thank and celebrate the men and women of the Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division on the department’s 130th anniversary. Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting event at the station to recognize the milestone on Feb. 1.
Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division began as a fire brigade and transformed through the years into the modern, efficient department it is today. While much has changed at the department in the last 130 years, one thing remained the same: the bravery and sacrifice of the First Responders who live to protect the lives of others.
Hearing his father-in-law, Daryl Baldosser, tell stories of firefighting drew Tiffin Fire Chief Rob Chappell to the profession.
“I had no plans to work in firefighting or as an EMT. Then I met my wife in college in Toledo, and her father was one of the original EMTs with Green Springs Fire and EMS,” Chappell said. “It was listening to him tell his stories that convinced me. His stories were very cool, very interesting. I became a volunteer in Green Springs and eventually went to fire school and got my medic.”
Chappell has been with Tiffin Fire for 19 years, and he became chief three years ago. He said he stayed with firefighting so long because “it’s the greatest job in the world.”
“We often see people on the worst day of their life, but to be able to help them and put that right is incredible,” he said. “Now, to be chief and lead these exception people is amazing.”
Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division were honored with proclamations or congratulations from Governor Mike DeWine, Congressman Bob Latta, State Rep. Gary Click, Sen. J.D. Vance, Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart, Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkerson, TSEP President and CEO Aaron Montz, Chamber Ambassador President Nicole Miller and Chamber Executive Director Bryce Riggs.
Commissioner Frankart thanked the department for their hard work and sacrifice. The large crowd that gathered for the event was proof of the community’s gratitude to the men and women of Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division.
“It’s a true testament that we all feel safe because of you,” Commissioner Frankart said.