Franklin Township Fire and Ems

07/27/2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that Franklin Township Fire and EMS announces the passing of our beloved friend, brother, and former Department Chaplain, Rick Gableman, who passed away on July 25th, 2026.

Rick’s life was defined by an unshakeable commitment to faith, family, and public service.

A Legacy of Emergency Service
Rick’s journey with EMS began just a few years after our department was first founded. Stepping up as an EMT-Basic, he quickly dedicated himself to advancing his skills, eventually becoming an Advanced EMT to better care for his neighbors. Over the decades, Rick served Franklin Township with distinction—working as both a dedicated volunteer and a part-time responder.

Even after retiring from active medical response, Rick’s heart never left the department. He stepped into the vital role of Department Chaplain, serving as a steady source of spiritual strength, guidance, and comfort for our crew members during their hardest shifts until stepping down roughly four years ago.

A Pillar of the Community
Rick’s heart for service extended far beyond the walls of the fire station:

Faith & Leadership: For over 40 years, Rick faithfully shepherded his congregation as a Minister for Felicity Christian Church, offering comfort, wisdom, and leadership to countless families through life’s greatest joys and trials.

Voice of the Cardinals: A staple of local sports, Rick brought endless energy, enthusiasm, and warmth to the court as the longtime announcer for Felicity-Franklin High School basketball games. His iconic voice and passion for our student-athletes made Friday nights under the gym lights unforgettable.

Our Final Salute
Rick’s legacy lives on in the lives he saved on the rig, the souls he guided from the pulpit, and the community he uplifted every day. We extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to his family, friends, congregation, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."

Funeral service will be Saturday, 1 August, at Felicity Christian Church. Visitation from 10 - 12; service at 12. More details will follow from Charles McIntyre Funeral Home.

Rest in peace, Rick. We’ll take it from here.

07/09/2026

Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with our colleagues at Stonelick Township Fire Rescue and Wayne Township Fire Rescue, who are mourning the loss of one of their members due to an off-duty accident today. Rest in peace, Wyatt Fisher.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from Franklin Township Fire & EMS! 🇺🇸

Today, we proudly celebrate the 250th anniversary of America and the birth of the nation we are honored to serve.

As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate our freedom, we ask everyone to enjoy the festivities safely. If you're using fireworks, follow all local laws, keep a safe distance, have a water source nearby, and never leave children unattended around fireworks. If you're traveling, buckle up, drive responsibly, and never drive impaired.

On this historic Independence Day, we also remember and thank the brave men and women—past and present—whose service and sacrifice have protected our freedoms for generations.

From all of us at Franklin Township Fire & EMS, we wish you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July.

Proudly serving our community—today and every day.

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July, and here's to 250 years of American freedom! 🇺🇸🚒🚑

06/29/2026

🚨 EXTREME HEAT ALERT: Stay Cool, Franklin Township! 🚨

We are staring down a serious heat wave this week, with temperatures and humidity pushing heat indexes into dangerous territory. Your team at Franklin Township Fire and EMS wants to ensure everyone stays safe, hydrated, and out of the emergency room.

Extreme heat can sneak up on you fast. Please review and share these essential safety precautions with your family, neighbors, and friends:

💧 1. Hydrate Before You Feel Thirsty

Drink up: Sip water or sports drinks throughout the day. Don't wait until you're thirsty—by then, you are already mildly dehydrated.

Limit the extras: Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar drinks, as they actually speed up fluid loss.

🏠 2. Seek the AC & Beat the Sun
Stay indoors: Try to stay in air-conditioned spaces during the peak heat hours (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM).

Pro tip: If you don't have working A/C at home, head to local cooling centers, the public library, or a nearby shopping area to cool down. *Fans alone will not prevent heat illness when temperatures are extreme.

Dress smart: Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.

🐾 3. Protect Our Most Vulnerable
Look out for neighbors: Check in on elderly family members, neighbors living alone, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Never leave anyone in a car: Not for a minute. Not even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a parked car can reach lethal levels in under 10 minutes.

Pet safety: If it’s too hot for your hand on the pavement, it’s too hot for their paws. Keep pets indoors with plenty of fresh, cool water.

⚠️ Know the Signs of Heat Illness
Do you know the difference between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke? It could save a life.

Condition Symptoms What to Do

Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, weakness, cool/clammy skin. Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water, use cool cloths.

Heat Stroke: High body temp, hot/red/dry skin (no sweating), confusion, fainting.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Call 9-1-1 immediately and cool the person down.

Stay safe, Franklin Township. If you or someone around you shows signs of heat stroke, confusion, or loses consciousness, don't wait—call 9-1-1 immediately. Our crews are fully staffed and ready to respond, but we'd much rather see you staying safe and cool at home! 🚒💨

06/29/2026

The Franklin Township Fire and EMS family is asking our community to join us in sending thoughts, prayers, and support to one of our esteemed retired members, Rick Gableman, and his family.
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Last week, Rick suffered a medical emergency and was transported via Air Care to UC Medical Center. We are incredibly relieved to share that, according to his family, he is currently in stable condition.
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For decades, Rick has been a pillar of strength, compassion, and dedication in our community. His lifetime of service includes:
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Dedicated First Responder: Serving our community from the days of the Felicity Life Squad as both a volunteer and paid staff member, staying with the department through the merger, and serving faithfully until his retirement.
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Spiritual Leader: Serving as the minister for the Felicity Christian Church for over 40 years.

​Community Voice: Bringing energy and community spirit as the longtime announcer for the Felicity-Franklin High School basketball games.
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Rick has spent his entire life showing up for this community in its moments of need, celebration, and worship. Now, it is our turn to show up for him.
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Please keep Rick, his wife, and the entire Gableman family in your thoughts and prayers during his recovery. We will continue to stand by them and offer our full support.
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Stay strong, Rick. Your department and your community are standing right there with you.

06/20/2026

A Celebration of Life for Odessa Harcourt will take place on July 17th at the Franklin Township Community Building, located at 2003 Main Street, Felicity, Ohio 45120. The event will be held from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to the Felicity Franklin Fire and EMS Association, which will be presented to Odessa's family upon collection.

06/17/2026

Severe Weather Alert: Preparation and Safety Reminders The Franklin Township Fire and EMS department urges all residents to exercise extreme caution as we enter a period of potentially severe weather, characterized by thunderstorms, high winds, hail, and potential tornadoes with little to no warning. Please take a moment to review and update your family's emergency plan, ensuring a safe shelter location in the event of severe weather. Stay informed through local news, weather apps, or a NOAA weather radio.

As a reminder, our policy is to open the Tornado Shelter upon warning activation (sirens). The Felicity Tornado Shelter is located at Felicity Christian Church, 847 State Route 133, Felicity, Ohio 45120. Please allow sufficient time for us to arrive and open the shelter. Note that, at times, a church member may arrive beforehand and open the shelter. Please be aware that no animals are permitted, except for service animals.

In the event of severe weather, please: - Seek immediate shelter in a basement or interior room, away from windows. - Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. - Charge your phones and devices in preparation for potential power outages. - Bring pets indoors and secure outdoor items. - Check on neighbors who may require assistance. Stay vigilant, prioritize your safety, and take weather warnings seriously.

06/13/2026

With a heavy heart, Franklin Township Fire and EMS mourns the loss of one of our own.
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Today, we lost Firefighter Odessa Harcourt at the young age of 31. Odessa was more than just a member of our department; she grew up here. She started her journey with us as a cadet back in late 2008/early 2009, eventually earning her firefighter certification in 2016.
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Many in our community know Odessa not just for her service, but for her incredible spirit. While in her Fire II class, she faced a devastating brain tumor diagnosis. Instead of stepping back, she showed us what real strength looks like—continuing to volunteer and serve her community while fighting, and winning, that battle.

After years of selfless service, Odessa stepped down from active duty in 2023, though her heart and spirit always remained a permanent part of our station.
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Unfortunately, we were recently informed that the tumor had returned, and Odessa passed away today.
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Odessa’s courage, smile, and dedication left an undeniable mark on our department and everyone who knew her. She fought until the very end.
​We ask that you keep her loved ones and her brother and sister firefighters in your prayers.
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We will post information regarding a celebration of life ceremony as soon as arrangements are complete. Thank you for your continued support and respect for the family's privacy.
​🖤 Rest in Peace, Odessa. You will be deeply missed.

03/28/2026

03/13/2026

Thank you to the State of Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office for their ongoing support of Franklin Township Fire & EMS. Your partnership, guidance, and commitment to safety help strengthen our department and the community we proudly serve. We appreciate the work you do to support firefighters, EMS personnel, and fire prevention efforts across Ohio.