COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Ohio boasts more than 1,180 fire departments, but the Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS stood out and was named the 2025 Ohio Fire Department of the Year by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services.

What You Need To Know

  • Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS is the fire department of the year

  • The award highlights service, training initiatives and community engagement

  •  Colerain Township's department will receive the award on May 14 

  • This is the department's 50th anniversary

“This prestigious award reflects the way our firefighters embody core values and remain steadfast in our mission to serve and protect our community,” said Allen Walls, fire chief of Colerain Township Department of Fire & EMS in a news release. “The unwavering commitment of our department proves, time and again, that these aren’t just words. Our people are the very pulse of our success, and I am so proud to witness it.”

The award highlights the department's service, training initiatives and community engagement efforts.

Colerain Township's department will receive the award Wednesday, May 14 at COSI in Columbus amid statewide emergency responders and leaders during a celebration of excellence in fire and EMS services.

 “We are incredibly proud of this achievement, and it serves as a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Jeff Weckbach, Township administrator. “Their professionalism, courage and commitment to our mission of serving and protecting the residents of Colerain Township are what make this department truly exceptional.”

The department is celebrating its 50th anniversary, making the award even more meaningful, officials said.