In 1937, a group of volunteers banded together to provide fire protection services for the townships of Washington, Perry and Dublin. the area was rural and spread out, the initial volunteers saw a need in the community and answered the call.
In the 85 years since its inception, community.
Fire Chief Alec O’Connell has been with the department for 34 years, and was named chief in 2014. Throughout his years of service, O’Connell has witnessed the city of Dublin and Washington Township flourish, intensifying his passion for the area.
“We have to be really into the community… It’s all about meeting their needs. If it’s a fire or EMS run then we obviously do that, but the fire service over the years has changed in the sense that it’s full service… People call in and have water leaking, they call the fire department, that’s exactly what we do. We just want to be there for them stresses that the department is always happy to help, rain or shine
“They’ve always been there for us. The community has supported us and been great to us. We know that they work hard for their money and they support this department… We want to be that neighbor where they know us”
Along with supporting the community, the department is also dedicated to making sure that its staff has access to mental health resources.
“Our goal is to put together a robust mental health program so that they have counselors to talk to. We have several things from peer support to counseling to a chaplain,” O’Connell says.
Like many fire departments, . members of the department often do chores and cook together.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
Cake Ingredients
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
½ tsp.
1 tsp. extract
4 eggs
1 ½ cups oil
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup nuts optional
Carrot Cake Instructions
Put all ingredients in a bowl. Beat mixture with high intensity. Add carrots and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Allow the final product to cool add cream cheese icing.
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
5 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
8 oz. cream cheese
⅔ cup margarine
Carnation (evaporated) milk
Cream Cheese Icing Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl enough arnation ilk until desired spreading consistency.
