The roots of the Garrettsville Fire Department trace back to April 9th, 1884, when a devastating fire swept through a livery barn, two dwellings, and their furnishings on the block between Water, Center, and Maple Streets. This tragic event prompted 120 concerned citizens to petition the village council for the establishment of a fire department, marking the beginning of an institution that has served the community for over 140 years.

​

In June of 1884, the village council approved a contract with The Remington Fire Engine Company to provide an engine, a hook and ladder wagon, and other firefighting tools for $2,000. Five cisterns, each holding 500 barrels of water, were constructed around town to support fire suppression efforts. By July 1884, the department was officially formed, with The Remington Fire Engine Company No. 1 and the Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 taking their place as the community's first line of defense against fire.

​

The department began with horse-drawn apparatus, and in 1890, a horse-drawn ladder wagon was purchased (which is no longer in service today, but we still own). The wagon was equipped with a clever harnessing system suspended by ropes and pulleys, allowing firefighters to quickly harness the horses in emergencies. These early days were characterized by ingenuity and determination, as the department operated with limited resources but a strong commitment to protecting the community.

​

By 1928, the department had grown and modernized with the addition of an American LaFrance fire truck, which became a symbol of the department’s pride. Equipped with a 500-gallon per minute pump, 100-foot hose capacity, and a 275-gallon water tank, the truck was the cutting edge of firefighting technology at the time. This piece of history is still in operation today as a parade vehicle.

​

As the decades passed, the department expanded its service area and capabilities. In 1946, Nelson and Freedom townships joined Garrettsville in co-owning the fire department, marking the beginning of a collaborative approach to emergency services that would continue for decades. The three townships would share the costs and upkeep of the equipment, and in 1947, the department added a new fire truck with a 500-gallon per minute pump, 500-gallon tank, and 1,400 feet of hose. That same year, 15 firefighters attended vocational training at Kent State University, marking the department’s commitment to professional development.

​

The 1960s saw further modernization. The department acquired a 1963 Ford 3/4-ton truck for grass fires and a Ford F700 tanker truck with a 1,600-gallon capacity. In 1965, the department replaced its aging pumper with a Ford 950, equipped with a 1,000-gallon per minute pump and a 1,000-gallon water tank. The 1970s brought a one-ton International panel truck and a 2,600-gallon tender with a stainless steel tank in 1976.

​

Despite the department’s growth, the arrangement between the three townships remained in place until 1982, when Fire Chief Robert Russell recognized the need for a formalized fire district to address growing needs. A 3.2-mill, five-year levy was passed by the voters on November 2, 1982, enabling the creation of the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Joint Fire District. The levy allowed the purchase of modern firefighting equipment and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the department’s history.

 

Expanding Equipment and Community Support

Throughout the 1980s, the department continued to modernize its fleet, purchasing a 1986 Mack tender and a 1988 Mack engine to replace aging equipment. The 1986 tender remains in service today and has been a reliable workhorse for the department for decades. In 1996, a major step forward was made when the department applied for and received a $96,000 FEMA grant to replace outdated SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus) with modern, life-saving equipment.

​

In the 2000s, the department’s commitment to safety and preparedness continued. In 2000, a Spartan/Precision heavy rescue vehicle was purchased, followed by the acquisition of a Sutphen 70' platform ladder truck in 2006—the first new ladder truck since 1884. This modern truck allowed the department to tackle larger fires and perform rescues more efficiently. In 2010, another FEMA grant enabled the replacement of the 1963 Ford grass truck with a 2011 Chevrolet 2500.

​

In 2013, the department secured a $25,000 FEMA grant to replace hoses and nozzles that dated back to 1984, further modernizing their firefighting capabilities. Then, in 2015, the department replaced both its 1988 Mack engine and 2000 heavy rescue truck with a Sutphen rescue/engine, combining the functionality of both vehicles into one, improving safety and reducing maintenance costs.

 

In 2019, the district was awarded a $21,300 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. This generous funding allowed the department to replace aging group rescue equipment with new, approved tools that significantly improve rescue efficiency and safety. The upgraded equipment enhances the ability of firefighters to perform rescues more effectively, ensuring greater protection for both rescuers and the individuals they serve.

In 2020, the Fire District was awarded a $162,674 Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. This critical funding allowed the department to replace its aging Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units, originally purchased in 2007 and nearing expiration. With the grant, the department acquired 24 new Scott X3 Pro air packs, 48 air cylinders, 36 facepieces, and storage bags—greatly enhancing firefighter safety and operational readiness. The grant required a local match of $8,133.71, reflecting the continued support of our community. This milestone exemplifies the district's commitment to securing resources that protect both our personnel and the residents we serve.

​

A Lifeline to the Community

Today, the department operates part-time Monday through Friday, with two firefighters and the chief on duty. Daily operations include public education, fire safety inspections, vehicle and station maintenance, and training. After-hours calls are handled by dedicated volunteers who drop everything to respond to emergencies, often in the middle of family dinners, holidays, and birthdays.

​

One of the department's most notable community partnerships is its work with the James A. Garfield School District, where firefighters regularly visit schools to teach children about fire safety, emergency preparedness, and the importance of community service. The department also plays a crucial role in local festivals and events, ensuring safety and providing emergency services.

​

Serving a Growing Community The Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Joint Fire District serves a population of 8,800 year-round residents, swelling to 12,000 during the summer months due to campgrounds and recreational attractions. The district covers 52 square miles, including five miles of the Ohio Turnpike, two service plazas, Nelson Ledges Race Track, and Nelson Ledges State Park, where the department frequently performs high angle rope rescues from the cliffs.

​

The department’s commitment to its mission is evident in the way it has adapted to the needs of a growing and changing community. With ongoing investments in training, equipment, and volunteer support, the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Joint Fire District looks toward the future with confidence. While it operates on the same 3.2-mill levy that was established in 1983, the department continues to explore new ways to serve and protect its citizens, including plans for station improvements and the integration of next-generation firefighting technology.

​

Looking to the Future
As the community continues to grow, the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Joint Fire District is exploring options for expanding its station to accommodate modern equipment and additional staff. The goal is to ensure the department remains responsive and equipped to handle the evolving challenges of firefighting and emergency response in the 21st century.