History

When Highland Heights was sparsely populated, their only means of putting out fires was by "bucket brigade.” Here is a brief timeline of the evolution of our city’s Fire Department.


1938

The city purchased a 1915 Packard Twin Six fire truck from Gates Mills. All fires were put out on a volunteer basis. A siren rang out from the village hall to call in the volunteer fire fighters.


Ordinance No. 150 created a Volunteer Fire Department.


1940

Highland Heights had a Fire Chief and 10 members in the Volunteer Fire Department.

1948
The city’s Volunteer Fire Department grew to 24 members. Members purchased their own uniforms and jackets. The Department also purchased a flag and staff to put in the village hall.

Council passed Ordinance 318 providing for an exchange of fire equipment and firemen in case of emergency with the Village of Mayfield Heights, Village of Lyndhurst, City of South Euclid, Village of Gates Mills and Mayfield Village. The city also purchased a 1942 Chevy Army surplus truck.
1942 Chevy Army Surplus Truck

1954

The Fire Department purchased a 1954 General truck.

1954 Fire Truck 225x151 website

1956


Frank Strumbly was promoted to Fire Chief




1963

A Seagrave 1000 gpm engine was purchased.



1968

Chief Strumbly was hired as the first full time Fire Department employee.


1974

Union Local 2380 was formed.

Frank Strumbly 1956 225x151 website
1963 Seagrave Fire Truck

1976

The Fire Department started providing EMS services. Department staffing went from 8-hour shifts covering days only, to the current 3 platoon shift with 24-hour coverage.


1977

A Sutphen 1500 gpm engine was purchased.


1978

A Ford Chateau / Springfield Modular ambulance was purchased.


1982

Edward Bencin was promoted to Fire Chief.


1984

Construction of a new city Complex and Fire Department was completed.


1985

A Ford F350 Road Rescue ambulance was purchased.

1989


The Fire Department began providing paramedic services and a Sutphen 1500 gpm engine was purchased.
1989 Sutphen 1500 225x151 website

1990

A Road Rescue International ambulance was purchased.

1989 International Road Rescue

1995


The Hillcrest area Technical Rescue Team was formed.

1997


A Freighliner/Horton ambulance was purchased.
1997 Freightliner Horton ambulance 225x151 website

1998


The position of full-time fire prevention/inspection was created, the Hillcrest area Fire Investigation Unit was formed, and a Sutphen 1500 gpm rescue engine was purchased.
1998 Sutphen 225x151 website

2001

The Fire Department increased its manning from four (4) firefighter/paramedics to five (5).

2003


An International/Horton ambulance was purchased.  The Fire Department purchased its first Thermal Imaging  Camera.
2003 International Horton Ambulance 225x151

2006


The Fire Department took delivery of a used, 1992 E-One 75 foot straight stick ladder truck from Mayfield Village.
1992 E-One Stick Ladder Truck 225x151 website

2008


Chief Edward Bencin retired in March.
Retirement Chief Bencic March 2008 225x151 website

2008


Lieutenant Willliam Turner was promoted to Fire Chief in July 2008.
Fire Chief William Turner July 2008 225x151

2011


Replaced 1999 pickup truck with new Ford F250 crew cab
2011 Ford F250 Truck 225x151

2012


Purchased a new International/Horton Ambulance
2012 International Horton Ambulance 225x151

2015


New Ford Utility vehicle purchased as chase car for EMS calls.
Ford Utility for EMS 225x151

2015


Replaced 1992 E-One Ladder truck with new Sutphen SP70 platform fire truck.
2015 Sutphen SP70 side view 225x151
2015 Sutphen SP70 water view 225x151

2016


Purchased a John Deere Gator XUV for all terrain EMS/Fire Response.
2016 John Deere Gator XUV 151x225

2017


Replaced 1997 Freightliner/Horton ambulance with new International/Horton ambulance.
2017 International Horton ambulance 225x151

2020


Replaced 1989 reserve fire engine with new 2020 Sutphen pumper
2020 Sutphen pumper 225x151

2021


Replaced 2015 Ford with new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe for EMS chase and command.
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 225x151

2022


Replaced 2003 International/Horton with a new Freightliner/Horton ambulance.
2022 Freightliner Horton ambulance 225x151