The Sylvania Township Fire Department prides itself on a high level of operational readiness and our progressive use of tactics in both fire suppression and EMS emergencies. Currently, there are 40 line personnel, 12 officers, 8 part-paid personnel 2 deputy chiefs and a fire chief. The on-duty career staffing level of 14 personnel per day, are capable of responding to two serious, simultaneous emergency medical incidents or one occupied structural fire. As our department is a career oriented, combination fire and EMS department, career staff may be supplemented with part-paid personnel during peak run times.
The acting Platoon Commander, a senior Lieutenant at the #4 fire station, synchronizes the daily activities for the four fire stations within the department. These officers help coordinate daily activities such as multi-company training, fire safety inspections and special events.
Lieutenant Jeff Young is very proud to serve his hometown community. Lt. Young was hired in January of 1988 as a firefighter/paramedic. Lt. Young holds an Associates Degree in Fire Science in Command and Prevention from the Columbus Technical Institute and is also a state fire and EMS instructor. Along with his wife, a nurse at flower hospital, Lt. Young has 2 children enrolled within the Sylvania School system and his parents continue to reside in Sylvania. Lt. Young also has a daughter living on the west coast with her husband who is a Marine.
Lt. Deshetler was hired as a firefighter in October 1989 and promoted to Lieutenant in October 1995. Lt. Deshetler is a member of the Northwest Ohio Urban Search and Rescue Team, and holds several specialized certifications including Rope Rescue, Trench Rescue, Structural Collapse and WMD. In addition to this he is a State of Ohio Fire Instructor and Certified Fire Safety Inspector. Lt. Deshetler has been married to his best friend Sue for 29 years and they have three children together. The oldest child resides in Sylvania with his family. The Lt. and his wife also have two grandchildren.
Lt. Steinmetz joined the Sylvania Township Fire Department as a Firefighter/ Paramedic on Valentine's Day 1981. Steve was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in May of 1999. Lt. Steinmetz holds an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Servies from the University of Toledo and is also a State of Ohio Fire Instructor as well as a Fire Safety Inspector. Lt. Steinmetz holds several advanced certifications includinig: Emergency Medical Dispatch as well as Fire Department Communications. Lt. Steinmetz credits the support of his wife June and their five children for his rewarding career in the fire service.