Coshocton Fire Fighters IAFF Local 216

06/25/2026

02/11/2026

When the Coshocton Fire Department invests time in ice rescue training, we aren't just practicing a skill—we are building a critical safety net for our neighbors. During our Ohio winters, the ice on our local ponds and rivers can be dangerously unpredictable. This training ensures that when the call comes in, our team can execute life-saving strategies with precision rather than panic. By mastering the use of cold-water immersion suits and rescue sleds, we’re able to turn a terrifying situation into a coordinated, professional response.
​For us at the Coshocton Fire Department, this is about more than just drills; it’s about your peace of mind. We want you to feel secure enjoying the winter outdoors, knowing that a highly prepared team is standing by. By honing these advanced techniques, we also keep our own crew safe, ensuring that our responders come home to their families, too. Ultimately, this training transforms a high-risk environment into a managed one, proving that our value to Coshocton lies just as much in our preparation as it does in our bravery.

01/06/2026

LIVE in Coshocton, OH! Full-scale Class A, delivered, installed, burn-ready.

12/28/2025

Live above the standard.

The next time someone asks you what it takes to be a firefighter, be honest.

Instead of talking about certifications and classes, tell them what it really takes to do this job right.

Tell them the truth.

It takes a commitment that very few jobs require because you have to accept that you are going to be responsible for life, not only for the citizens you serve but the lives of your brothers and sisters.

Yes, I said brothers and sisters because when you become a firefighter, you earn another family.

I said earn because nothing will be given to you here. You will need to earn everything by building a good reputation as a worker and someone who cares about others.

It will require a very high level of fitness, strong work ethic and a desire to improve daily.

You will hear about minimum standards but never think that’s enough; it’s not and will require maximum effort to perform in the environments we do.

You will miss birthdays, holidays, first steps, and last breaths; it’s part of the job.

You will be dog tired and have to still give your best. Your mind and heart are going to change, and you won’t be the same person who started, and that’s ok because to change is to grow.

You will grow here.

This job can break you or make you the most grateful man in the world.

That will be up to you.

The conversations you have around the kitchen table will be some of the best advice you’ll ever hear, and if you stay on long enough, some of the best you will give.

It’s a hard job that will always require hard work.

Lazy people don’t do well here, so if that’s you, I wouldn’t do it.

You’re not a good fit.

But if you’re willing to work hard with a spirit of humility and put the needs of others first, it will be the best decision you will ever make.

That’s what it takes to be a firefighter.

Photo of the late James Dotters

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12/25/2025

12/11/2025

11/24/2025

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As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday and gather with family and friends, Ohio’s fire fighters want to remind everyone to put safety first while preparing your holiday meals.

Safety reminders:
🔥 Be alert, never leave cooking unattended.
🚨 Make sure your smoke detectors working properly.
🚫 Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.
🧯 Have a fire extinguisher easy accessible.

Follow these few simple precautions and can keep your home safe.

International Association of Fire Fighters