Did you know Marion Township Fire Department’s Main Station has been located at 762 East Center Street since it opened in 1971? The fire station, also known as Station 1, stores the majority of the stations’ apparatus and is home to 15 full-time firefighter medics who report on their respective duty days. For several years, Station 1 served as their own emergency dispatch center, until teaming up with Marion County to create a centralized dispatch system to serve the citizens of Marion County better.
In addition to Station 1, the Marion Township Department is comprised of an administrative building and a second fire station. The administrative building, which is also located on East Center Street, is home to the Fire Chief and all administrative assistants. The Admin building is also used for small meetings, records storage, and as the departments’ health facility. The second station, formally known as Station 2 (or as the crew likes to refer to themselves, the “Best From the West”), is located at 1400 Marion Agosta Road, where it was initially opened in 1973. The station was originally opened to resolve the growing concern of being cut off from the west side of their jurisdiction due to the blockage of railways and tracks near the station. At that time, the station housed two pieces of apparatus and six full-time firefighter medics.
While on duty and not fighting fires, crew members are kept busy responding to calls relating to EMS inquiries. They participate is specialized trainings, including Trained in Rope, Confined Space, and Water Rescue. The crew’s additional training allows the department to better assist local businesses, such as POET Refinery and NUCOR Steel, and address special details to help ensure safety. While not on a call, crew members are responsible for routine tasks and the upkeep of equipment and the station. They are also asked throughout the year to teach public safety at various community events and local pre-school classes.
Crew members tell us how each call gives them an opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life, whether or not this individual is someone they have never met or may ever see again. “The most rewarding part is when individuals and family members take the time, after they have put their lives back together–both good and bad–to come talk to us and give us updates on themselves or loved ones.” Because the Marion Township Fire Stations are part of a smaller department, crew members are able to add a personal touch to each call, making that the most gratifying part of their job.
At MarionMade! we value the work and dedication of all Marion Township fire personnel and thank them for their time and service given to protect the people of Marion County.
#MarionMade #WeAreFirefighters
