Hocking Township Fire Department

04/10/2026

HTFD crews along with mutual aid are currently at an active incident on Hamburg Rd. Please use caution if driving in the area.

04/05/2026

Happy Easter 🐰🐣

03/30/2026

Great day for some joint training! ☀️

HTFD crews spent time working alongside ATFD crews today, taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather to sharpen skills, build teamwork, and strengthen coordination between departments. Crews conducted 2 hours of pump operations and hose advancement training.

Opportunities like this help ensure we’re always ready to serve our communities at the highest level. 🚒🚑🚨🧯👨‍🚒👩‍🚒

03/16/2026

🐾 New Crisis K9 Added to Our Roster 🐾

Our department is proud to announce the addition of Crisis K9 Roscoe to our roster. CK9 Roscoe

Our volunteer member, Curtis and K9 Roscoe, recently completed a 40-hour OPATA Crisis K9 First Response Course, becoming certified as a Crisis Response Canine Team. During the weeklong course they trained through multiple real-world scenarios alongside 15 other K9 teams, including joint training evolutions with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Canine Team (FCSO Crisis K9 ) and Drone Team, as well as the Columbus Police Departments Dive Team, Mounted Patrol Unit, and Air Unit/helicopter crews. The course also included exposure to diverse environments, interactions around animals at the zoo, and simulations involving individuals experiencing a crisis.

Roscoe had previously earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen and additionally earned the, AKC Urban CGC, and AKC Community Canine certifications in this course.

This team will serve as a volunteer resource supporting the department and its members, while also providing community outreach and mutual aid support when needed.

[K9 Roscoe is privately owned by Curtis, and had advanced training through Triple Threat K-9 that has been privately funded by the handler.]

Please help us congratulate Curtis and CK9 Roscoe on this accomplishment. 🐕‍🦺

03/08/2026

01/26/2026

Level 3: Snow Emergency Canceled
I/26/2026 @ 12:05pm

Level 2 in Effect-

Main, arterial roads tend to be covered with some packed snow, but well plowed and passable.

-Some secondary roads are still snow covered and may be challenging for some vehicles.

-Some Township and residential area roads have not been cleared and could pose a challenge to motorists.

-Use extra caution on overpasses, bridges, on and off ramps.

-Keep speeds slower and add plenty of distance between vehicles ahead.

-Start off slow and start slowing/braking sooner than normal.

-Be mindful in areas with on-street parking. Residents may be present digging vehicles out of the snow.

-Our State, County, Township and local plow crews are continuing to do an amazing job of clearing hundreds of miles of roadway. Give them your space and gratitude.

-The Extreme Cold temperatures will be of utmost importance in the days ahead.

Be Safe!

-Sheriff Alex Lape

01/25/2026

LEVEL THREE
Fairfield county is now under a level three snow emergency. All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. No one should be driving during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel or a personal emergency exists. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.

01/25/2026

Level 2 Snow Advisory

Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads may be very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on the roads. Contact your employer to see if you should report to work. Motorist should use extreme caution.

01/07/2026

🚒 Announcement-New Fire Chief Named🚒

The Hocking Township Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that, by unanimous vote, Steve Kilbarger has been appointed Fire Chief of the Hocking Township Fire Department.

Steve has been serving in this role for the past six months, during which time he has fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of Fire Chief with dedication and professionalism. This appointment is a well-earned promotion.

Steve has been an active member of our department since its opening in 2012, serving in multiple roles including Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief. His commitment, leadership, and service to our community have been evident every step of the way.

We look forward to continuing to work together as we move forward and strive to make our Fire Department the very best it can be in service to the residents of Hocking Township.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Steve Kilbarger on this achievement, and thank you to all our firefighters and personnel for your continued service.

01/01/2026

However you’re celebrating tonight, please plan ahead and drive safely. We want everyone to start the New Year at home with family—not in the back of an ambulance! 🚑

12/25/2025

From our fire family to yours, the Hocking Township Fire Department wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas. We hope your day is filled with warmth, laughter, and time with the people who matter most.

🎅🚒🎄