Springfield Fire Rescue honored as Ohio department of the year; six members to receive valor awards; Station Five closing ceremony set

Springfield Fire Chief Jacob King said on the department’s May “Chief Chat” that Springfield Fire Rescue received the Ohio Fire Department of the Year award from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and that six division members will receive State Awards for Valor from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

King said the honors stem from the division’s recent focus on hands-on training, prevention and response work, and he described the awards as recognition of crews’ courage and service statewide. ‘‘This award is really for all the heart and grit that our members go through every day,’’ King said, adding that the award ceremony will take place in Columbus on May 12.

King also announced a closing ceremony for Fire Station Five on Commerce Boulevard at 11:00 a.m., describing the event as a tribute that will bring current and retired members together to walk through the station and honor its legacy before the property is turned over to the city. He noted the station has a “for sale” sign visible on the property.

Separately, the chiefs said Clark County Public Safety Forces Recognition Day was rescheduled due to weather and set for May 21; the event will include the Ohio State Patrol, the county sheriff’s office, Springfield police and fire personnel, township fire departments and family members of those who died in the line of duty.

The chiefs did not describe any new staffing changes or budget actions tied to the station closing or the awards during the program. King emphasized the honors recognize both departmental work and individual acts in the field; officials encouraged the public to attend recognition events where appropriate and watch department channels for logistical details.