Poland Fire District - WRJFD

09/04/2026

Poland was called to Springfield to help assist with a structure fire. After being cleared from the scene, Engine 92 relocated to Springfield Station 21 to cover the township.

09/03/2026

There is now an ENHANCED RISK (level 3 of 5) for severe weather across parts of Northeast OH and Northwest PA for later today. Confidence is increasing in a cluster of strong to severe thunderstorms moving southeast across the area this evening. Damaging winds are expected to be the primary severe weather threat with these storms. Flash flooding, isolated hail, and perhaps a brief tornado are also possible.

08/31/2026

🚒 August Recap — What a Month! 🚒

August was another busy month for our department! From responding to calls and keeping our community safe, to spending countless hours training and preparing for whatever comes our way, our members stayed hard at work. 💪🔥

We also continued to see great progress on our new station addition! 🏗️ Over the past month, it has really started to take shape, and we’re excited to watch the project continue to move forward. This addition will be a huge asset to our department and our community for years to come.

A big THANK YOU to all of our members who continue to give their time, energy, and dedication to the department. Whether it’s answering a call at 2 AM, attending training, or helping behind the scenes — it all makes a difference.

Here’s a look back at some of what we’ve been up to throughout August! 📸

08/26/2026

For the second time in a week, the District has suffered the loss of a retired firefighter.

William W. Baird, 53, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

William, affectionately known as Bill, was born on December 28, 1972, in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of Burton Baird, Sr. and the former Mary Rishel.

A graduate of Lowellville High School in 1991, Bill worked in sales at #1 Cochran Buick GMC in Boardman.

He was a longtime firefighter with the Western Reserve Joint Fire District Station 93 where he served with his spouse, brothers Burton and Lee, and three nephews.

Bill took great joy in the outdoors, cherishing opportunities to hunt and fish. He was also an active member of the Ellsworth Sportsman Club.

Known for his incredible handyman skills, Bill could always be counted on to lend a hand. Family and friends often turned to him for help with repairs or building projects. His generous nature and willingness to assist others made him a treasured part of many lives, standing as an uncle, dad and brother to many who were not bound by blood.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rebecca Frattaroli Baird; father, Burton Baird, Sr.; mother, Mary Hepler; two daughters, Lily and Zoe Baird; four sisters, Gayle (Paul) Brideau, Barbara Webb, Barbara (Vance) Rosler and Bonnie (Billy) Schiraldi; two brothers, Burton “Skeeter” (Karla) Baird and Lee (Chris) Whinery; sister-in-law, Megan Frattaroli; mothers-in-law, Janet Kirns and Marianne Frattaroli; numerous nieces and nephews, Joshua, Phillip, Stephanie, Elijah, Matthew, Leah, Benjamin, Lucas, Isaac, Anthony, Bryan, Cole, Kyle, Zachary, Cody, Ryan W., Dominic, John and Ryan G. and many great-nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, Burton (Edna) Baird and Walter (Lois) Rishel; stepfather, James Hepler; stepmother, Kay Whinery; father-in-law, Patsy Frattaroli and brother-in-law, JR Webb.

Calling hours will be 3:00 – 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2026, with a funeral service commencing at 6:30 p.m., at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road, Poland, OH 44514.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Ashlin’s Alliance, 6296 Stoney Ridge Drive, Youngstown, OH 44515; or to Friends of Fido, P.O. Box 2963, Youngstown, OH 44511.

Please keep the Baird family in your thoughts and prayers.

08/23/2026

The District bid farewell today to retired Station 91 Captain Gary Morgan.

Gary was born June 28, 1947, in Youngstown.
He was a graduate of Struthers High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a signalman, a third-class petty officer, during the Vietnam War, serving aboard the USS Dealey DE-1006 with his brother, Tom.

Gary began his career at Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers. He was one of the founding members of Gold Cross Ambulance, with owner Daniel H. Becker serving as the General Manager of Operations. Gary then worked in medical sales and as an account manager with Sherwood, Tyco, Kendall and Covidien medical supply companies, retiring after 33 years.

He was a member of the Western Reserve Joint Fire District for 40 years, retiring with the rank of captain. While at Station 91 he had the opportunity to work side by side with his two sons, Daniel and Brian. Gary was also a firefighter with the Boardman Fire Department for 22 years. He was awarded the EMS Star of Life award multiple times by the state of Ohio.

Gary was a longtime member of the Poland United Methodist Church, the Romeo Dinner Group and the Bessemer Croatian Club.

In 1971, he was one of the first certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the nation and one of the first four in the State of Ohio. Gary was one of the first instructors of CPR and first aid in the Mahoning Valley. He was one of the first National Safety Council fire instructors in Mahoning County.

Gary leaves his loving wife of 55 years, Candy Pitts Morgan, whom he married in 1971. He leaves his loving sons, Daniel (Jennifer) Morgan and Brian (Beth) Morgan. The pride and joy of Gary's life were his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Lillian, Madison, Christian, Jordan and Brooklynn; his sister-in-law, Linda (Harold) Milligan; his brother-in-law, Sandy (Nancy) Pitts; and his longtime friends, Daniel H. Becker and Dottie Melody.

Besides his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas R. Morgan.

Above all else, he cherished spending time with his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Whether attending school events, sports, church or holiday gatherings, he enjoyed their achievements, and they brought him great joy.

The family is requesting material tributes take the form of contributions to Children's Ministries at Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Boardman-Poland Road, Poland, OH 44514, in memory of Gary.

07/26/2026

07/26/2026

At approximately 6:22 a.m. this morning, Poland Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire at the intersection of W. McKinley Way and U.S. Route 224.

Upon arrival, crews found that the vehicle had crashed through the Walgreens parking lot, striking several trees and a light pole before coming to rest on Route 224. The vehicle was on fire.

Thankfully, no one was injured. Our duty crews responded quickly and were able to extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading further.

06/30/2026

Learn Ohio consumer fireworks rules, dates, and safety requirements.

06/28/2026

Celebrate Poland 2026!

06/28/2026

Following the Boardman vs. Poland Swim Club Meet, Poland Firefighters took on Poland Swimmers in a series of five relay events-including the doggy paddle and boat push relays. Everyone had a great evening!