COLUMBUS (December 14, 2001) — Governor Bob Taft today announced the creation of a Statewide Emergency Response System. The system will enable fire departments throughout Ohio to call for the immediate mobilization of additional resources from other fire departments in the state to assist with emergencies. The Columbus Fire Department will serve as the statewide dispatch center for the new system.
“In the wake of September 11th, we cannot underestimate the importance of a coordinated response that will enable fire departments to help each other during major emergencies,” Governor Taft said. “The Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association and the State Fire Marshal's Office have done a tremendous job creating a statewide emergency response system that can help save lives.” State Fire Marshal Robert Rielage; Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association President Kenn Taylor, chief of Violet Township; and Columbus Fire Chief Stephen Woltz joined Governor Taft at today’s announcement. The need for a statewide system for requesting mutual assistance became apparent several years ago following severe flooding in southern Ohio. At that time, the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association created the Statewide Emergency Response Task Force. Coordinating with the State Fire Marshal's Office, the task force developed a plan to make it possible for fire departments to easily request and receive additional personnel and equipment when needed. The State Fire Marshal and the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association have been working together since summer to inventory resources, including fire personnel with special areas of expertise, and fire equipment available throughout the state. While the inventory is expected to take until spring to complete, the system is now far enough along to be activated if needed. Under the system, a local fire chief who determines that there is a need for assistance beyond the capabilities of the department’s local mutual aid agreements can contact the dispatch center to identify and request the mobilization of additional resources from other departments throughout Ohio. Utilizing the inventory list, the dispatch center can direct resources as needed and contact the regional response plan coordinator or the State Fire Marshal, who serves as Ohio’s statewide fire rescue coordinator.