Champion Fire Chief talks staffing issues in wake of recent tragedy

Image caption

In the wake of a deadly house fire Wednesday in Champion Township, the fire chief there is stressing the need for adequate staffing.

In a one-on-one interview Thursday, Chief Tom Dempsey offered his condolences to the family of 72-year-old Bob Antonelli, who died in that fire.

Although the department was able to respond within two minutes, thanks to the timing of the blaze, it underlined the importance of having enough personnel.

"We had a police chief throwing ladders, trying to get people out of the house because we need firemen," pleaded Dempsey.

A luxury the department can't afford on its current operating budget.

"We asked for the combined levy two years ago," the fire chief said, referring to a levy that would've staffed both the fire and police departments and allowed for equipment updates. However, Dempsey says voters shut it down.

"Nobody wants new taxes. I understand that, but I also have a job to do, to identify the deficiencies in my department," Dempsey explained. 

The department consists of 25 crew members, including the chief. That accounts for four personnel for all three shifts: two full-time and two part-time employees. Those four people per shift are responsible for servicing 26 square miles and more than 10,000 people in Champion. That number also fluctuates depending on enrollment at TCTC and Kent State Trumbull.

Fire Captain Brandon Quiggle sustained second-degree burns on his face, neck, and chest in the Wednesday morning blaze.

"I talked to him last night and this morning. He'll be out a couple of weeks, but he's in the process of healing," said Dempsey.

Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn the loss of 72-year-old Bob Antonelli, who died in that fire.

"I don't know if it would've turned out different yesterday; that was a quick-moving fire, an intense fire," Dempsey added. 

Dempsey says they need to sit down with the union and trustees to find a way to address this issue.