The department was established for the purpose of fire protection in February of 1898 after the village suffered devastating fires in 1895 and 1897, damaging and destroying several businesses. The first equipment, hoses, cart and rubber coats were ordered within a month of the department being formed. Initially, the village was divided into three districts with a trustee overseeing operations in each of these districts and reporting to the fire chief. Originally the department was for Gibsonburg only, but today it is run by the Madison Township Trustees and has entered into an agreement to protect both the village and township with the trustees providing funding.
Since the fire department's beginning, fund raising in the form of suppers, plays and ice cream socials were an important source of money for the purchase of new equipment. Today, the department continues fund raising efforts through events such as chicken bbq's, reverse raffles and participation in the Gibsonburg Homecoming event. GVFD Inc., a non profit organization, has also been created to provide financial support to the department.
The department joined the Northwest Ohio Volunteer Fireman's Association in June of 1898 and has played a very active role in the organization ever since including hosting the annual convention in 1932, 1982, 1987 and 2018.
The department provides protection to its local residents as well as the Madison Township area from the firehouse located at 120 north main street Gibsonburg Ohio. The volunteers that make up the local fire service consist of a chief, assistant chief, captain, 6 lieutenants, and 50 firefighters. The department also has a junior firefighter program that is ever growing. Members combine EMT's, Paramedic's, Medical First Responders, and Hazmat training.
The department purchased its first truck, a Ford Model T chemical truck in 1918 and equipment has continually modernized. Being used currently are two engines (pumpers), tanker, grass fighter, equipment/responder pickup truck, breathing air trailer, lighting trailer, and rescue boat. Specialty equipment includes the “Jaws of Life” rescue tool, rescue air bags, thermal imaging devices, multi-gas monitors, and SCBA Equipment that is individually tested and issued to each member.
The Department maintains an interoperable communications system (OHIO M.A.R.C.S.) with all fire departments throughout Sandusky County and the surrounding areas. In addition to maintaining base radio communications at the fire station, voice pagers, inner department cell phone alerts, response tracking with messaging (I.A.R.), primary and secondary communication radios, and truck dash mounted tablets are utilized by the department.
The Village has an ISO class of 5 and is constantly making efforts to lower it. This helps to reduce fire insurance rates. The Sandusky County 911 Center provides emergency dispatching 24 hours a day and insures that an appropriate response is made to any emergency with calls averaging 180 to 200 a year.
The Department participates in a mutual aid pact through the Sandusky County Firemen’s Association which insures back-up response in the event of a large-scale emergency. Many safety standards in effect require a large response for seemingly small fires. This helps the citizens and protects the firefighters.
The Department has access to the shared countywide resources, such as the Fire Investigation Team and Hazardous Material Team. Emergency medical and transport services are provided by Sandusky County EMS, which is staffed with Paramedics & EMT's on a 24 hour basis.
Gibsonburg Fire also provides – Fire Prevention, Public Education, Safety Inspection, and guest speakers.
These volunteers that make up the local fire service take a great deal of pride in their contribution toward keeping the Village of Gibsonburg and Madison Township a safe community.
