Springfield opens Fire Station No. 5; department praised as statewide 'department of the year'

Fire Chief Jacob King and Police Chief Allison Elliot used the Chief Chat podcast to thank the community for attending the ribbon cutting of Fire Station No. 5 and to note the department’s statewide recognition.

Chief King said the new station gives Box 27 "their first real home" inside Springfield and will help the department better align response to the community. "We were able to open that station, better align us to respond and take care of our community," King said.

Chief Allison Elliot congratulated the department on earning a statewide honor described on the program as "department of the year" through the Ohio Department of Public Safety and praised daily collaboration between police and fire. "That is awesome. Congratulations to all of you," she said, noting the award reflects a team effort across divisions and city services.

Speakers credited neighborhood associations and a strong turnout at the ribbon-cutting. Officials said they plan to share photos and a highlight reel from the ceremony on city and department Facebook pages.

No budget figures or formal policy changes were announced on the program; speakers framed the event as a community milestone and a recognition of interagency teamwork.