Fire Department
The Ossian Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD) is made up of 35 members who volunteer many hours every month serving both the Town of Ossian and Jefferson Township. Besides responding to fire calls, OVFD has done extensive training with vehicle extrication equipment including the jaws of life, air bags with high and low pressure, and rams. The OVFD responds to all motor vehicle accidents in Jefferson Township and part of Union Township. Many of the members have participated in a class certifying them as vehicle rescue technicians.
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Department Equipment
In 2003, the OVFD bought ice water rescue equipment and members became certified in ice water rescue. Some of the equipment includes a rescue Alive Sled 6, ice/cold water suits, and rope. Many members went through extensive training during the winter months and made entry into area ponds to become certified. With the assistance of Wells County EMA, Bluffton and Liberty Center Fire Departments also became certified to providing the entire county with the program.
The OVFD also runs a first responder program along with Wells County EMS to provide emergency care to injured or sick residents in the community. The first responders carry both oxygen and bandages. The OVFD is fortunate to have the vehicles purchased by the Town of Ossian and Jefferson Township. The OVFD runs with the following equipment:
PUMPER 601- The county pumper has a 1,000 gallon tank with a 1,250 gpm pump. The pumper has two preconnected 1 3/4 hose lines, each 150 ft. It also has 500 ft. of 2 inch hose.
PUMPER 602- This is a city pump which responds to all city fires and all accidents within the county. The truck is a five person cab on an International chassis. It is equipped with a 1,000 gallon tank, a 1,250 gpm pump, and 911 seats that have SCBA's. The truck has 1,000 ft. of 5 inch hose. It also has two preconnected 1 3/4 lines and 300 ft. of 2 inch hose. It is equipped with a master stream and Class A & B foam. The truck carries a combination tool for auto extrications.
RESCUE 6- This truck is a five person cab on a Freightliner chassis with an 18 ft. box and rollup doors. It carries all extrication equipment including the Jaws of Life, cutters, spreaders, low and high pressure airbags, cribbing, and LSB for auto extrication. The truck has five 911 seats with SCBA's for rapid deployment when arriving on a fire scene. Rescue 6 responds to all calls in our coverage area.
TANKER 605- 605 is a two person cab on an International chassis. It holds 2,000 gallons of water and has quick dumps on the rear and both sides for easy dumping. It also carries a 2,000 gallon drop tank. The truck has a 1,000 gpm pump which can be a secondary pump at the scene if needed.
TANKER 606- This truck is also a two person cab but sits on an Freightliner chassis. It holds 1,500 gallons of water and also has a 2,000 gallon drop tank. 606 is equipped with a pump which is capable of pump and roll operations useful for a field fire.
GRASS RIG 607- This rig is used for grass or field fires. The truck is on a 1987 Chevy chassis. A new skid unit was purchased in 2004. The tank holds 300 gallons and also has foam capabilities. 607 is used as the first responder vehicle during winter months.
TRUCK 608- This is a 1987 Chevy step van. It is used to carry ice water rescue equipment. 608 was refurbished during the summer of 2004 along with new shelving. The floor was sprayed with RHINO LINING to help provide a non-slick surface.
CAR 610- This car was donated to the OVFD by the Town of Ossian. The 1994 Crown Victoria previously used by the Ossian Police Department currently serves as the first responder vehicle. The car may be used to transport personnel to a scene if needed. It is also available to OVFD members to use as transportation to training.