Fire Department
About the Fairport Harbor Fire Department
Staffing
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department is a combination department, with three full-time career members and 13 part-time members. The department is staffed daily with a minimum of three members, including at least one paramedic on duty at all times.
The department’s leadership team includes a part-time Fire Chief, one career Captain, one career Lieutenant, and one career Firefighter, with the remainder of the staff consisting of part-time firefighters.
Equipment
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department is equipped with a variety of specialized vehicles and tools to ensure effective emergency response:
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department is equipped with a variety of specialized vehicles and tools to ensure effective emergency response:
- 2015 HME Engine
- 2003 E-One Engine
- 2023 Braun Ambulance/Rescue Squad
- 2023 Lifeline Ambulance/Rescue Squad
- 2017 Sea Doo Jet Ski
- 2021 Dodge Ram
- 2021 Durango – Command Vehicle
- Water Rescue Trailer with 16-foot inflatable and 14-foot Jon boat
Both ambulance/rescue squads are equipped with advanced life-saving equipment, including:
- Zoll X Series 12-Lead Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillators
- Stryker Power Cot and Load Systems
- Lukas CPR Devices
These resources ensure the department is fully prepared for a wide range of emergencies, from fire suppression to advanced medical care and water rescues.
Mutual Aid
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department actively participates in mutual and automatic aid agreements throughout Lake County. In the event of a structure fire within the Village, the following communities provide automatic assistance:
Mutual Aid
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department actively participates in mutual and automatic aid agreements throughout Lake County. In the event of a structure fire within the Village, the following communities provide automatic assistance:
- Concord Township – Paramedic Squad
- Painesville Township – Ladder Truck
- Painesville City – Engine
- Perry Joint Fire District – Engine
- Grand River – Paramedic Squad
Additionally, off-duty FHFD members are alerted to respond. This coordinated effort ensures an initial response of 15-16 firefighters, in line with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, providing optimal fire protection and emergency services to the community.
Education and Community Service
The Fire Department provides Fire, EMS, Prevention, Water Rescue and Public Education.
The Firefighters have a collection drive for aluminum cans and in turn use the proceeds to provide smoke detectors and residential lock boxes to Village residents at no cost.
The Firefighters have a collection drive for aluminum cans and in turn use the proceeds to provide smoke detectors and residential lock boxes to Village residents at no cost.
IAFF Local 3644
The full-time career members of the Fairport Harbor Fire Department are proud to be affiliated with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 3644. This partnership ensures our firefighters have access to valuable resources and support, helping them maintain the high standards of training and service that keep our community safe.
The full-time career members of the Fairport Harbor Fire Department are proud to be affiliated with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 3644. This partnership ensures our firefighters have access to valuable resources and support, helping them maintain the high standards of training and service that keep our community safe.
History
The Fairport Fire Department was founded in September 1891 after several devastating fires. Over the next two years, the department purchased 1,000 feet of fire hose, two nozzles, 12 waterproof coats and hats, a ladder, six lanterns, badges and other necessary equipment. Thomas Irwin was appointed the first fire chief on Sept. 29, 1891.
A team of horses and a hose cart were soon purchased. The first mechanized fire truck, a Ford Chemical Truck, was purchased in March 1917 and a year later the team of horses was sold. A second fire engine was purchased Dec. 18, 1923.
A fire bell, cast in 1893, was installed atop the original fire station and served as the community's fire alarm. This historic bell now resides in a brick structure in front of the current fire station at 220 Third Street, serving as a lasting symbol of the department's rich history.
A team of horses and a hose cart were soon purchased. The first mechanized fire truck, a Ford Chemical Truck, was purchased in March 1917 and a year later the team of horses was sold. A second fire engine was purchased Dec. 18, 1923.
A fire bell, cast in 1893, was installed atop the original fire station and served as the community's fire alarm. This historic bell now resides in a brick structure in front of the current fire station at 220 Third Street, serving as a lasting symbol of the department's rich history.
Fairport Harbor Fire Department ISO Rating: Excellence in Fire Protection
The Fairport Harbor Fire Department is proud to hold an ISO Class 2 rating, placing it among the top-performing fire departments in the nation. Out of over 2,000 Class 2 fire departments nationwide, Fairport Harbor stands as one of only 109 in Ohio and one of just two in Lake County to achieve this distinction.
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) program evaluates fire departments and communities on a scale from 1 to 10. A Class 1 designation represents exemplary fire protection, while a Class 10 indicates the minimum criteria are not met. Achieving a Class 2 rating reflects our unwavering commitment to providing superior fire suppression services and protecting our community.
What Does the ISO Rating Mean?
The ISO PPC grade is determined by assessing:
- Needed Fire Flows: The department’s ability to deliver water for fire suppression to properties within the community.
- Emergency Communications: The quality of emergency alerting systems, including dispatch capabilities.
- Fire Department Operations: Factors such as equipment, staffing, training, and the geographic distribution of fire stations.
- Water Supply: The availability and reliability of hydrants and water supply systems to meet fire flow needs.
Fairport Harbor’s Class 2 rating demonstrates our readiness to respond effectively to emergencies and reflects the investments made by our community in ensuring a robust fire protection system.
This achievement underscores our commitment to safety, preparedness, and excellence in public service, helping to not only safeguard lives and property but also potentially lowering insurance premiums for residents and businesses.
We are honored to serve Fairport Harbor with professionalism and pride, and we remain dedicated to maintaining and improving the high standards that earned us this elite classification.