Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD)

06/12/2026

The Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department is aware of recent public statements regarding internal department matters. While we cannot comment on ongoing personnel reviews or legal proceedings, we want to assure the residents of the Village of Oakwood and surrounding areas that our volunteers remain 100% committed to your safety. The integrity of our emergency response, the security of public funds, and the safety of this community will always come before politics. We are handling all internal matters through the appropriate legal and administrative channels. Thank you for your continued support of our first responders.

James Varner, Fire Chief

Send a message to learn more

06/02/2026

💙 June is Men's Mental Health Month 💙

Men are often expected to be strong, provide for their families, solve problems, and carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Too often, they do it silently.

Behind the smiles, jokes, hard work, and tough exteriors, many men are fighting battles no one can see. Stress, anxiety, depression, grief, financial pressures, family responsibilities, and personal struggles can become overwhelming when carried alone.

At OVFD, we know strength isn't just about fighting fires, responding to emergencies, or helping others through their worst days. Real strength is also having the courage to ask for help, check in on a friend, and talk about what you're going through.

This month, we encourage everyone to reach out to the men in their lives. Ask how they're doing—and take the time to listen. A simple conversation can make a bigger difference than you may ever know.

To every father, grandfather, brother, son, husband, friend, firefighter, first responder, and community member: Your mental health matters. You are valued. You are important. And you do not have to carry your burdens alone.

Be strong enough to speak.
Be courageous enough to ask for help.
Be compassionate enough to listen.

05/10/2026

05/04/2026

🚒 May 4th – International Firefighters’ Day 🚒
Today, we recognize and honor the brave men and women of the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department who selflessly serve our community.
Our firefighters aren’t just responders when the tones drop — they are your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members. They leave their jobs, dinner tables, and even their sleep to answer the call, no matter the time of day.
But their commitment goes far beyond emergency calls.
They spend countless hours training, maintaining equipment, supporting community events, educating the public, and always preparing for the next time someone needs help.
Being a volunteer firefighter takes dedication, sacrifice, and a strong support system at home. We also want to thank the families who stand behind them, making it possible for them to serve.
Today, and every day, we are proud of our volunteers and grateful for everything they do — both in and out of the fire station.
👏 If you see a firefighter today, take a moment to say thank you.
❤️ Thank you to all past, present, and future firefighters for your service and sacrifice.
🚒🔥

04/21/2026

Big congratulations to Logan Winke on being named the Van Wert Elks Student of the Year! 👏

Logan has been a dedicated part of our department as a Jr. Firefighter/Cadet, and we’re proud to see him take the next step as a trainee/probie working toward becoming a firefighter. His hard work, commitment, and willingness to learn have not gone unnoticed both in the fire service and in the classroom.

This recognition is well deserved, and it’s just the beginning of what we know will be a great future ahead.

Keep pushing forward, Logan we’ve got your back every step of the way! 🚒🔥

Big congratulations to Logan Winke, of Paulding Exempted Village Schools, on being named the Van Wert Elks Student of the Year!

After first being recognized as October Student Volunteer of the Month, Logan has now earned this outstanding honor through his hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving others.

Logan has volunteered with the Oakwood EMS and Fire Department and currently works as a dispatcher for the Paulding Sheriff’s Office. Through the hands-on training he received in our Criminal Justice and Vantage’s Adult Education EMT and Fire programs, Logan is already making a real difference in his community.

We are proud to celebrate a student who is turning skills into service and leadership into action.

Congratulations, Logan! Your future is bright! ⭐

03/23/2026

🐰🥞 Breakfast with the Bunny 🥞🐰

Join the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department for a fun morning with family and friends!

📅 Saturday, April 4th
⏰ 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Come enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring:
🍽️ Pancakes
🌭 Sausage
🥐 Biscuits & Gravy
🍳 Scrambled Eggs
☕ Coffee & Orange Drink

💲 Free will donation

Bring the kids out to meet the Easter Bunny and help support your local fire department. We hope to see everyone there!

03/18/2026

🔥🐟 Oakwood Fire Department Annual Fish Fry 🐟🔥
Join the Oakwood Fire Department for our Annual Fish Fry on Saturday, March 21st!
🗓 Saturday, March 21st
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Oakwood Fire Department
We’ll be serving up:
✔️ Fish
✔️ Hot Dogs
✔️ French Fries
✔️ Coleslaw
Bring your family, bring your friends, and come hungry! This is a great way to enjoy a good meal while supporting your local fire department and the work we do for our community.
We appreciate the continued support and hope to see everyone there! 🚒❤️

03/16/2026

The members of the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department are incredibly proud of Cadet Logan and all the hard work he has put into pursuing a career in public safety. Logan spent time training and learning with our department, and it’s been great to watch his dedication and passion for serving others grow.
We’re excited to see what the future holds for him and know he will continue to make a positive impact in the communities he serves. Congratulations Logan — we’re proud of you!

Through the Vantage Career Advanced Placement Program, senior Logan Winke (Paulding Exempted Village Schools) is gaining valuable experience in the field of law enforcement while working with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. Logan's journey to this opportunity began with his time at the Defiance Police Department and the Van Wert Fire Department, where he gained hands-on experience and developed foundational skills that prepared him for his current role.

By stepping into multiple public safety/law enforcement environments, students like Logan gain insight into their future careers! Congratulations to Logan and all of our Vantage seniors who are turning their dreams into reality with the Vantage Career Advanced Placement Program!

03/10/2026

03/08/2026

⏰ Daylight Saving Time Reminder from the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department ⏰
Tonight before you go to bed, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour as Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow, Sunday, March 8th.
While you're changing your clocks, the Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department encourages everyone to take a few minutes to check your smoke detectors: 🔥 Test each alarm in your home
🔋 Replace batteries if needed
🏠 Make sure there is a working smoke detector on every level of your home and near sleeping areas
Working smoke detectors save lives by giving your family early warning in case of a fire.
Take a few minutes tomorrow to protect what matters most.
Stay safe,
Oakwood Volunteer Fire Department