We are a part time, paid-per-call fire department that covers a portion of southern Morrow County, Ohio.
BWJFD protects the Townships of Bennington, Chester and Harmony and the Villages of Chesterville and Marengo.
BWJFD provides fire suppression, vehicle extrication, surface water rescue, basic emergency medical services, hazardous material response, fire inspections, fire prevention classes,
Aren't you guys out of Sunbury?
When we were formed in 1971, we were created out of the Marengo Fire Department and the Bennington Township Fire Brigade. They were both located in Marengo. The Ohio Revised Code says "A joint fire district so created shall be given a name different from the name of any participating township or municipal corporation" so our founding elected officials chose the name of the creek that runs through our district. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-505.371
The Marengo fire station is located at 4600 State Route 229 in Marengo. It is manned 7 days a week, from 9am to 5pm.
The Chesterville fire station is located at 3673 North Portland St, Chesterville. It is staffed on call only.
Sitting 20 miles north of the state capital of Columbus and 95 miles southwest of Cleveland, our district spreads over a total of 75 square miles that 8,232 call home. Along with our rural response, we also cover 72 lane miles of the heavily traveled Interstate 71.
The Big Walnut Joint Fire District Fire Prevention Bureau works to protect life and property by reducing fire and life safety risks before emergencies occur. The bureau reviews construction plans, fire protection systems, fire alarms, fire department access, fire lanes, hydrants, fire department connections, gates, Knox Box locations, and other fire safety features under the Ohio Fire Code and BWJFD-adopted requirements. The bureau also conducts inspections, provides plan review comments and permits, assists with code compliance, and works with property owners, contractors, businesses, and occupants to correct hazards and improve community safety. Construction plans, permitting information can be found in our "FILES" section of the website.
The Fire Prevention Bureau investigates fires within the district to determine their origin and cause, identify contributing factors, and support public safety, code enforcement, and prevention efforts. Investigators document fire scenes, collect evidence when appropriate, coordinate with law enforcement and insurance representatives, and work to identify accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined causes. The goal of the Fire Investigation Bureau is to provide accurate, professional investigations that help prevent future fires, support victims and property owners, and protect the community.
The Big Walnut Joint Fire District provides fire prevention education to help residents, businesses, schools, and community groups better understand fire and life safety. Educational programs may include station tours, fire truck visits, fire extinguisher training, school and youth safety programs, smoke alarm education, evacuation planning, and public relations talks for local organizations and events. These programs are designed to increase public awareness, reduce fire risks, strengthen community relationships, and help residents know what to do before, during, and after an emergency.
If you live within our fire district response area, we would love to bring you on the team as a "paid per call" employee. You would respond from home as the volunteers did from years ago, but we pay you $18.00 per run. If you reside in our area, will pay for your basic fire training. Once you complete all preliminary training, you may either respond from home or elect to work day shifts with us.
We would love to have you as a member too! We staff our Marengo fire station from 9 am to 5pm with (2) firefighters. You are required to have your Ohio Level II fire certification to be considered for employment.
EMT certifications are preferred, but not a requirement. We do have an EMS program, but we are not the primary EMS service in Morrow County.
Once you print out and fill out an application, you need to bring it in to our Station 39-1 at 4600 State Route 229. If you meet the criteria, we will contact you for a preliminary interview with the fire chief. Once you make it though the interview, you may be recommended to the Fire Board for hiring.
Once you begin your employment, you will be placed on a probationary status. You will be required to complete our Mentor Program. This program educates you on how our fire district operates. You will become familiar with our trucks, gear, SCBA, tools, SOPs, radios, mutual aid agencies, and more. Once you complete the Mentor Program, you are promoted to Active Duty and may be considered as staffing or take runs from home.
Go to our DOWNLOADS section and find an application.