Dalton Fire Department

08/29/2026

Members of the Dalton Fire Department—Andrew Moneypenny, Joshua Keener, and Michael Villafranca—are currently enrolled in the EMT-B class at the Wayne County Regional Training Facility. As part of their training, they recently participated in the AHA Basic Life Support course. During this important class, they learned essential life-saving techniques, including CPR, equipping them with the skills to respond effectively in emergencies and make a difference in the lives of those in need!

08/27/2026

Today, we honor the memory of Lieutenant Tommy Ware, Firefighter Edward Brillhart and Firefighter Robert Galehouse. Their bravery and dedication will never be forgotten. We keep their families and loved ones in our thoughts as we remember these three heroes on this solemn anniversary.

August 27, 1985 - LODD
Lieutenant Tommy Ware, 35
Firefighter Robert Galehouse, 33
Firefighter Ed Brillhart, 21
Marshallville Fire Department
Marshallville, Ohio
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, 1985, at 8:15 p.m., Lieutenant Ware, Firefighter Galehouse and Firefighter Brillhart were killed while they were attempting to extinguish a fire in an oxygen-limiting silo at Butzer Farm, located on the corner of Warwick and Black Diamond Road, by scaling the 80-foot facility and spraying water into it. The three were on the top of the silo, directing water onto the flames when an explosion lifted the concrete roof of the silo four feet in the air, throwing Ware and Brillhart to the ground while Galehouse fell into the silo.

08/16/2026

08/16/2026

Last Sunday, law enforcement officers from neighboring communities, along with members of our fire department participated in a training session at Dalton Local Schools. The session was organized by Chief McFarren of the Dalton Police Department and facilitated by the ARK Protection Group, led by Ron Gazboda.

The morning segment focused on active threat response strategies for patrol officers, emphasizing the protocols for effectively responding to and neutralizing potential threats. The afternoon session covered Rescue Task Force operations, which brought together law enforcement and Fire/EMS teams to train for joint, coordinated responses, life-saving treatment, extrication, and communication.

Participants gained critical knowledge and skills related to emergency response, situational awareness, and effective communication during crisis situations. Through a series of interactive exercises, attendees had the opportunity to apply these concepts in practical scenarios, enhancing their preparedness for real-world emergencies.

Overall, the training was both informative and valuable, equipping participants with essential tools to promote community safety and responsiveness!

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to those who organized and prepared the luncheon provided at the fire station for the attendees. Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to all individuals who participated in this exercise.

- Photographs courtesy of Cole Sarver - Cole Sarver Media

08/13/2026

Last night, the Dalton Bulldogs Athletic Trainers conducted an informative and engaging training session for the Kidron Volunteer Fire Department, alongside members of our department. The session primarily focused on recognizing and managing sports injuries, providing us with essential knowledge and practical skills. We learned about various types of injuries commonly seen in athletes, such as sprains, strains, and concussions. The trainers guided us through effective techniques for equipment removal and their protocols to follow in emergency situations.

They emphasized the importance of quick assessment and intervention, ensuring that we can provide timely assistance during sporting events or related emergencies. Overall, the event fostered a collaborative spirit between the athletic trainers and the first responders, enhancing community preparedness for sports-related injuries.

In addition to the educational component, we were given a guided tour of the sports complex, including the football field. This walkthrough allowed us to explore the various facilities available for athlete training and fitness. The primary goal of the training was to increase our awareness and improve preparedness for managing sports-related injuries, ensuring we can handle emergencies with confidence and competence!

07/29/2026

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kidron Volunteer Fire Department for hosting an invaluable joint training exercise focused on large-scale water movement and tanker shuttle operations.

Crews from numerous departments in the area worked together diligently, utilizing multiple fill sites and coordinating their tanker shuttle operations, achieving an impressive flow rate of 850 to 900 gallons per minute for more than an hour.

Engaging in training together like this is not just about improving skills; it's a fundamental step in ensuring that we are ready to support all our communities in times of need. This collaborative effort strengthens our bonds and enhances our ability to respond effectively when it matters most.

07/26/2026

Big thanks to our friends at the North Lawrence Fire Department for having us at their Touch-A-Truck event yesterday at Clays Park! We had an awesome time hanging out with families from the community and enjoying a fun, educational day. We really appreciate being a part of it!

07/24/2026

🚒 NEW EQUIPMENT ANNOUNCEMENT! 🚒

The Dalton Fire Department is excited to officially introduce our new Utility 39 UTV!

Utility 39 was recently put into service and is already making a major impact across our community and surrounding areas. So far, it has been deployed to:

🌲 Emergency incidents along the Rails to Trails of Wayne County Ohio

🎆 Orrville Firefighters Association, 4th of July Fireworks

🏃‍♂️ Kidron Volunteer Fire Department, Kidron Days 5K

Where you’ll see Utility 39 next:

⚾ This coming week: Dalton All Sport Booster Club Alumni Softball Game & Fireworks

🏈 This fall: Standing by at every Dalton Local Schools home football game

💡 The UTV and Rescue Skid were 100% Grant Funded:

A project like this wouldn't be possible without our incredible community partners. Thanks to generous grant funding from Stark Community Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, and Enbridge Gas Ohio, the entire purchase of the Kubota UTV and EMS Rescue Skid Unit was fully covered—at zero cost to our residents!

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Dalton Fire Department. We couldn't do what we do without this amazing community behind us!