Fire Service History of Lafayette Township
Early Beginnings (1820–1919)
Lafayette Township was settled in 1820. In 1873, sixteen lots were platted, forming the Village of Chippewa-On-The-Lake. Although early records are limited, it is likely that residents provided fire protection through informal means such as bucket brigades.
The first officially organized fire department in the township was the Chippewa Lake Fire Department, established in January 1919. Thirty-eight charter members each contributed $1.00 to form the department. Meetings were held annually in members’ homes, local businesses, and churches.
Early equipment included a reel hose cart stored at the Medina County Water & Sewer District building at Chippewa Lake Park and a motorized fire truck with a removable chemical tank housed within the village.
Growth and Organization (1920–1954)
In 1927, the department began assessing property owners $1.00 per year to fund fire protection services. By January 1931, meetings were being held in the newly constructed Chippewa Lake Fire Station — the building currently serving as the Chippewa Lake Post Office.
In 1933, the department purchased a used 1926 Paige sedan that had been converted into a fire truck. The first new fire engine was purchased in 1939 at a cost of $1,616.28.
For 35 years, Chippewa Lake Fire Department was the only provider of fire protection services in Lafayette Township.
Formation of Lafayette Volunteer Fire Department (1954)
In 1954, after notification from the City of Medina regarding increased fire protection rates, twenty-five township residents formed the Lafayette Volunteer Fire Department. The first meeting was held in the old township hall across from Lafayette Elementary School.
On February 28, 1954, township trustees approved the purchase of:
- A used 1928 pumper
- A used 1937 tanker known as the “Old Seagraves”
The total cost was $550.00. The equipment was temporarily stored in a local service garage until a new fire station and township hall were completed.
Introduction of Emergency Medical Services (1976–1978)
Until 1976, both fire departments provided fire protection only. When new state regulations required funeral homes to discontinue providing emergency medical services (EMS), the township and village worked together to establish local EMS service.
In 1977, a door-to-door fundraising campaign led by Betty Snanigan and Dave Mosgrove raised funds to purchase and equip the township’s first rescue squad. The unit initially responded from the Lafayette Fire Department.
In 1978, voters approved a levy to purchase a new squad. The original rescue unit was then transferred to the Chippewa Lake Fire Department.
Department Consolidation (1999)
By 1999, Lafayette Township and Chippewa Lake Fire Departments operated as separate organizations, each with its own chief, budget, and structure. That year, the Lafayette Township Trustees voted to combine the two departments to improve efficiency and streamline operations.
The unified department became known as the Lafayette Township Fire Department.
The Department Today
Today, the Lafayette Township Fire Department is led by one full-time Fire Chief and staffed by approximately 40 professional firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians.
The department provides 24-hour coverage with three cross-trained Fire/EMS personnel on duty at all times.
Services Provided
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical care
- Fire suppression and prevention
- Vehicle extrication
- Water rescue
- Hazardous materials response
- Rope and dive rescue (in cooperation with the Medina County All-Hazards Team)
- Community risk reduction programs
- Smoke alarm installations
- Business inspections
- Public education programs
The department remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the safety of all who live in and visit Lafayette Township.