Volunteer Firefighter Reaches Chief Position(posted May 24) Pike Township Trustee Lula Patton touted Gerald George, Pike Township Fire Chief, and Russ Shoaf, deputy chief, for their capabilities to lead the 158 paid career firefighters that are assigned to the various five stations. "I selected Gerald as fire chief because of his leadership guidance, sincerity and dedication," she said. Fire Chief George has been with the department for 24 years while Shoaf has nearly 25 years of service completed. "They are big shoes to fill," George said. George is in charge of $18 million budget that will include placing a new aerial into service in the next few weeks. The township is waiting to have the aerial detailed with markings and decals. A new engine was placed in service earlier this year. George said his career first started as a six-year volunteer with Wayne Township Fire Department before joining Pike in 1983. He noted Pike's fire department became a full time paid fire department in 1971. By 1983, the township had grown to 24 paid firefighters. As the township continues to grow, so do the emergency runs. He said emergency runs have tripled from 3,000 per month to 9,000. Most of the runs are medical runs. "The department is staffed with paramedics and advance life support equipment to provide the best pre-hospital care possible," he said. The fire department also provides educational safety tips. He noted the department offers programs to teach parents about the proper installation of child safety seats as well as providing them. |
|
