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1. How do I enroll in the Colerain Township Fire Recruit Program?

The Fire Recruit Program is a competitive selection process that is conducted annually. Candidates must submit an application that can be found online at colerain.org. Applications are accepted during an open period declared by the hiring announcement. Applicants will be contacted to attend an informational session that will cover the program in-depth. Individuals selected for enrollment into the recruit program must qualify and complete all steps of the process by deadlines set forth by the Program Director. For more information, please contact the Training Division at (513) 245-5451. 

2. What does it mean to me that Colerain has a Class 1 Fire Department?

Effective July 1, 2016, the Colerain Township Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) became only the second department in the State of Ohio to achieve this prestigious Class 1 rating, and the first in the Greater Cincinnati area. The rating is a positive reflection of the department’s efforts to provide dedicated and professional fire, EMS and “all hazard” emergency services to the residents and businesses of Colerain Township.

What this means for our citizens and businesses is that they will now have the benefit of the lowest fire insurance rates in the country, and we hope this will attract future residential, commercial and business development to Colerain. Less than 200 fire departments in the United States have received this rating placing the Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS in the top 99.99% of departments nationally.

3. Where can I get my blood pressure checked?

You can go to any Colerain Township fire station between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have your blood pressure checked. Please remember the firefighter/paramedics may or may not be at the station when you go, as they may be out responding to an emergency. 

4. Do you provide CPR classes?

Yes, CPR classes are held throughout the year.

For more information or to register for a CPR class, please call (513) 385-1713.

5. What is the Citizen’s Fire Academy?

The Colerain Township Citizen Fire Academy (CFA) is a community outreach program that focuses on the citizen and building long-lasting relationships with residents of the community. The academy is a ten-week program (11 with graduation night) conducted in the evening one night a week. The program is not intended to be for those who wish to become certified firefighters and emergency medical technicians, but rather to obtain an understanding and general education of the services provided by the department, and what the fire service is all about. 

During the academy, citizens will attend indoor classes that are highly interactive, as well as outdoor classes that are entirely hands-on. Once the student graduates from the Citizens Fire Academy, he or she will have the opportunity to assist the fire department in making a positive impact within our community. Graduates of the CFA have assisted the department with smoke detector blitzes, fundraisers, public educational events, and much more. For more information or to enroll in the Citizens Fire Academy, please contact Jennifer Ploeger at jploeger@colerain.org or call (513) 245-5451. 

6. Do you get cats out of trees?

Sometimes, but typically we do not get cats out of trees. We suggest opening a can of tuna and placing it under the tree. The cat will find its way to that food.

7. Does the Fire Department accept donations?

Yes. Donations are utilized for Community Risk Reduction programs, such as our Fall Prevention Program. If you wish to donate, please make a check payable to "Colerain Township Dept. of Fire and EMS". If you would like your donation to go toward a specific cause, please indicate that with your donation. Please note that If nothing is specified, it will go into the Fire Department’s operating budget.

8. Why do I see so many trucks responding to a fire or EMS call?

Colerain fire and EMS units are dispatched according to the information obtained by the 911 operator. Based on this information initially obtained, the incident is categorized into one of nearly 50 dispatch codes, each with a pre-assigned number of units dispatched to that type of response. 

9. What fire code does Colerain Township use?

Colerain Township utilizes the most current and up-to-date information available.  The most recent Ohio Fire Code, which is essentially an adoption of the International Fire Code, is what the township utilizes and enforces. This code is updated approximately every 3 to 4 years, and is part of the International Code Council’s family of codes, including the International Residential Code, the International Building Code, and the National Electric Code.

10. How do I get a copy of a billing invoice, fire or EMS report?

Fire Report Requests

You can obtain a fire report by emailing firereports@colerain.org. Please be sure to include your name, full address, phone number and the date of service.

You may also request a copy of a fire report by writing to:
Colerain Township Fire Headquarters
4160 Springdale Road
Colerain Township, OH 45251

Patient Care Report and Billing Invoice Requests

Please contact Medicount at (513) 772-4465. 

Emergency Medical Services patient care reports are subject to the restrictions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) and can only be released to the patient or the legal guardian of a patient. 

11. Where can I report a leaking fire hydrant?

While the Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS checks and services all fire hydrants annually to make sure that they are working, the Cincinnati Water Works handles the maintenance on all fire hydrants. A leaking or broken hydrant can be reported by calling us at 513-923-5035.

12. What is a Knox Box and why do I need one for my business or store?

The Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS requires a key box for every occupancy except a private residence. Private residences, especially those with special needs occupants, can also participate in the program. The Knox Box Rapid Entry system was developed specifically for the fire department. Using one master key we can quickly access commercial properties or participating residences. You can learn more about this program by calling 513-245-6505 or emailing jbowman@colerain.org.

13. Where are the Colerain Fire Stations located?

View the address and contact information for the Fire Stations.

14. Will I receive a bill for an emergency medical run if I am taken to the hospital?

A bill is sent to your insurance company. Insurance companies typically pay between 80 to 90% of the bill. The remaining 10 to 20% of the bill is waved for residents of Colerain Township. This is possible due to tax levies. Residents of Colerain Township will not receive a bill for services. Only non-residents receive a bill for EMS services provided. For further details view our Emergency Medical Services Billing page.

15. Why do the fire engines block more than one lane of traffic during an auto accident on the highway?

We block the immediate area where the accident occurs, but we will also block an additional lane of traffic to provide a safe area for our crews to operate. Crew must be able to provide medical care to the patient without placing people in undue hazardous conditions. Each year many police, fire, and construction workers are injured or killed by drivers that lose control of their vehicles while passing accident scenes. We must protect our patients as well as ourselves. 

16. Is it normal for me to see fire department personnel in the grocery store while on duty?

Most of our personnel work 24 hours at a time. That means all meals must be prepared and consumed while on shift at the fire house. Our fire stations have four to thirteen people on shift at any given time. In order to accommodate meals, each person working contributes to the overall purchase of the day's meals. You may see one to four fire personnel shopping at the local grocery for these necessary things but the crew(s) remain "in service" and available for emergency calls.