Union Township Fire Department

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from the Union Township Fire Department 🌷

Today, we celebrate the incredible mothers who serve not only their families, but their community as well.

These women answer the call when others are experiencing some of the hardest moments of their lives, then return home to help with homework, comfort sick kids, cheer from the sidelines, and somehow keep everything moving forward.

To the mothers of UTFD: thank you for the sacrifices you make that so often go unseen. Thank you for your dedication, your heart, and the example you set every single day for your children and this community.

And to all mothers in our community and beyond, thank you for all that you do. Your love, strength, and sacrifice never go unnoticed.

Happy Mother’s Day 💜

-Chief Grimm

Captain Natasha Gearhart
Captain Ashlee Grimm
Captain Lauren Rayburn
Lieutenant Cathy McKibben
Lieutenant Mary Graves
Lieutenant Jenny Riley
FF/EMT Holly Towe
FF/EMT Tracy Arledge Ison
EMT/RN Brittany Bennett
EMT Maria Bennett
K9 Handler Marsha Smith
FF/EMT Ashley Thacker
FF/EMT Kellie Fisher
FF/EMT Meira Leonard
FF/EMT Allison Morris
EMT Aubree Sabin
Future EMT/FF Jessica Carnal

05/04/2026

We want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who came out and supported the Union Township Explorer Program at our very first car show.

From the incredible vehicles on display, to the vendors, to every single person who stopped by, your support meant more than you know. What started as an idea turned into a great day for our Explorers, and that’s because of this community showing up in a big way.

A special thank you to those who donated, participated, and helped spread the word. Every bit of support goes directly toward helping our Explorers learn, grow, and prepare for the future of the fire service.

We’re proud of what this program represents, and after the success of this event, we’re even more excited for what’s ahead.

Thank you for believing in these kids and in what we’re building here in Union Township.

03/18/2026

The Chillicothe Gazette wrote a little article about Patch.

Things are looking spotty at the Union Township Fire Department with their newly adopted Dalmatian, Patch. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Union Township Fire Department

03/12/2026

🚒🐾 We Couldn’t Let Patch Get All the Attention… Meet K9 Zeena! 🐾🚒

We were blown away by how much you all loved meeting Patch so we figured it was only fair to give a little of the spotlight to our other furry member… K9 Zeena!

Many in our community have already met Zeena. She is a 7-year-old German Shepherd who has been part of the Union Township Fire Department since 2020.

Zeena was born right here in Ross County, less than two miles from where she now lives and works. She began her training at just 13 weeks old, starting a career that would take her and her handler across several states.

Zeena and her handler, Firefighter Marsha Smith, are both commissioned Reserve Deputies with the Ross County Sheriff's Office. Together, Team Zeena is certified in Human Remains Detection and Wilderness Trailing through the American Working Dog Association.

Marsha and Zeena are also founding members of the Central Ohio Rescue/Recovery K9 Unit (CORRK9U), helping establish a team dedicated to assisting in search and recovery efforts.

Over the years, the team has trained in Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, and has assisted with private investigations, multiple law enforcement agencies, and state investigative units.

We are incredibly proud to have Team Zeena connected to our department and thankful for the important work they do serving our community and beyond. 🐾🚒

03/11/2026

🚒🐾 Meet Patch! 🐾🚒

The Union Township Fire Department would like to officially introduce the newest (and possibly most photogenic) member of our extended fire department family… Patch!

Patch is a Dalmatian who was adopted today by one of our department members from the Ross County Humane Society.

Dalmatians have a long and proud history with the fire service that dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire wagons. Because of their natural endurance and unique ability to bond with horses, Dalmatians would run alongside fire wagons responding to calls. They helped clear the streets, kept the horses calm during emergencies, and guarded the equipment while firefighters were inside fighting fires. Over time, they became a beloved symbol of the fire service and a familiar sight in firehouses across the country.

While Patch won’t be running alongside a horse-drawn fire wagon anytime soon, we hope that he will be joining Search and Rescue K9 Zeena, making appearances at community events, fire department activities, and fire prevention programs in the future. We’re excited for him to help us connect with our community—especially the kids!

Patch’s story is also a great reminder of the amazing animals waiting for homes at the Ross County Humane Society. Their staff and volunteers work incredibly hard to care for animals and match them with loving families. If you’ve ever considered adding a pet to your family, we encourage you to check them out!

03/02/2026

The Union Township Fire Department was recently awarded a $252,000 grant to purchase new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). These SCBAs were extremely needed, as much of our existing equipment had reached the end of its service life. This grant allows us to replace outdated gear with modern, reliable equipment that will better protect our firefighters while operating in immediately dangerous to life and health environments.

These new SCBAs will serve our department and community for many years to come, improving firefighter safety, operational efficiency, and our ability to provide the highest level of service when it matters most. Investments like this directly impact not only our responders, but every resident we are sworn to protect.

By obtaining grants like this one, the Union Township Fire Department is able to responsibly invest in critical safety equipment while minimizing the financial burden on our community. This funding ensures our firefighters have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, while remaining good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

We owe a special thank you to Nationwide First Responder Grants for their expertise and dedication in helping secure this funding. We are also incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Union Township Trustees, Chief Timothy Grimm, and Fiscal Officer Cheryl Dubois, whose commitment to the safety of our firefighters and community makes opportunities like this possible.

This grant is a powerful example of what can be accomplished through teamwork, leadership, and a shared commitment to public safety.

02/22/2026

🚒🔥 Reminder — We’re Here! Come Support Our Fire Explorer Program! 🔥🚒

Our Fire Explorer Program event is happening right now until 3:00, and we would love to see you come out and support these hardworking young men and women!

Our Explorers are learning hands-on firefighting skills, EMS basics, teamwork, leadership, and what it truly means to serve their community. They train alongside our firefighters, participate in drills, and dedicate their time to becoming the next generation of first responders.

Many firefighters and paramedics started their journey in programs just like this. Your support today helps provide training materials, equipment, and opportunities that continue shaping these future leaders.

If you’re out and about, stop by and say hello. Show these kids that their community is behind them. 🚒💪

We’re proud of the work they’re doing — and we’re proud to serve a community that shows up.

Please consider stopping by and supporting our future first responders.

02/11/2026

Please consider stopping by and supporting our future first responders.

02/06/2026

Here we go again, folks.

Sheriff Lavender has placed Ross County under a Level 2 Snow Emergency due to worsening road conditions. Accidents are being reported throughout the county.

Please use extreme caution if you must be out driving. Slow down, increase following distance, and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going.

We also ask that you be patient with our road crews. They are working hard, but it’s difficult to keep roads clear when the snow is coming down this quickly.

Your safety is the priority. Stay safe and stay alert.

01/26/2026

ROSS COUNTY IS NOW UNDER A LEVEL 2.

A Level 2 Snow Emergency means road conditions are hazardous due to ice, snow, or drifting. Only essential travel is recommended.

What this means:
• Roadways may be partially or fully snow covered
• Visibility may be reduced
• Secondary and rural roads may not be cleared yet

If you must drive:
• Reduce speed
• Allow extra stopping distance
• Watch for snowplows and emergency vehicles

Unnecessary travel is discouraged for your safety and to allow road crews and emergency services to operate efficiently.