By Chief Russ Volkert
Over the last two decades, the Dover Fire Department and the Dover Township Office have worked together on numerous public safety initiatives that protect Dover Township residents.
Beginning in the late 1990s, the City and Township—in cooperation with the City of New Philadelphia—installed a combined network of outdoor tornado warning sirens. Due to the vastness of the Township, it has been necessary to place the sirens in the most populated areas. Additional sirens will likely be installed as areas develop and funds become available.
Additionally, Dover Township has spent the last 20 years providing the Dover Fire Department with much-needed lifesaving and safety equipment. This includes the placement of numerous dry hydrants in strategic locations throughout the township to facilitate water shuttle operations when a fire does occur.
In addition, the township purchased a rescue boat, trailer, and the command-and-extended-operations trailer, which the Fire Department updated and refurbished to suit its needs. The township has also matched funds for the Fire Department’s first Incident Support vehicle and provided $150,000 toward major fire response vehicle replacement.
- Dover Fire Department members Randy Jones and Todd Barkley and New Philadelphia firefighter Brandon Winnie: Firefighters bring two kayakers who were stranded at the low head dam in Dover to safety.
- The Dover Fire Department’s Engine 201: It was only through the Township’s assistance that the City of Dover was able to purchase this much needed and versatile fire engine, which is the only one of its type in Tuscarawas County.
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