Shelby Fire chronicles transformative year
By David Jacobs
Editor’s note: This article is based on a report issued prior to the recent East Main Street fire in downtown Shelby.
The Shelby Fire Department’s 2024 year-end report, issued by Shelby Fire Chief Mike Thompson earlier this month, details a year of significant operational adjustments, community involvement, and plans for the future.
At 26 pages, Chief Thompson's effort provides details on multiple facets of Shelby Fire's efforts to serve Shelby along with Jackson and Sharon townships, which Shelby serves through fire protection contracts.
Overall, Shelby Fire responded to 2,016 calls for service in 2024, reflecting a 30.5% increase in call volume over the last 15 years.
Of these, 1,428 were EMS calls unrelated to motor vehicle accidents, 68 were motor vehicle crashes with injuries, and 24 were building fires.
The remaining incidents included hazardous materials responses, public service calls, and rescues.
In the report, Chief Thompson noted the increasing strain on resources caused by simultaneous and complex calls, requiring both single- and full-department responses.
Over 19% of calls required four or more firefighters, illustrating the growing demand on personnel.
Staffing enhancements address growing needs
Staffing adjustments in 2024 included the creation of a “floater” firefighter position to alleviate scheduling gaps and reduce overtime caused by staff absences.
John Grimes was assigned as the department’s first floater, rotating among shifts as needed.
New hires included three volunteer firefighters currently enrolled in training programs and one full-time firefighter hired via lateral transfer. However, the department also saw the retirement of two long-serving volunteers, Chris Korbas and Jeff Carroll.
The report highlighted hiring challenges in a competitive market, noting that while the lateral transfer process had been successful initially, the pool of experienced candidates has diminished for various departments.
Levy funding secures growth, critical upgrades
In November 2023, Shelby voters approved a .25% income tax levy expected to generate $500,000 annually over the next five years. The levy’s passage ensured funding for personnel, station expansions, and critical equipment.
The levy enabled the acquisition of a 2015 ambulance for $35,000 to replace an aging vehicle.
In-house staff prepared the ambulance for service by installing equipment salvaged from the old vehicle, saving costs. Proceeds from selling the outdated Rescue 38 further offset the purchase.
The levy funds will also support plans to increase daily shift staffing from five to six personnel, with a long-term goal of seven per shift to reduce overtime costs and alleviate stress on staff.
EMS evolves with new capabilities
The department’s second year as Shelby’s exclusive 911 EMS provider included notable improvements, such as introducing Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) drugs to better serve critical care patients.
Additionally, the department adjusted transport billing rates to align with county averages.
Soft billing -- where only patients’ insurance providers are billed --generated over $443,000 in revenue in 2024. This approach, described in the report, offsets the rising costs of medical supplies without directly billing patients.
The department reported 731 Advanced Life Support (ALS) calls and 435 Basic Life Support (BLS) calls. Updated billing practices aim to ensure financial sustainability while providing essential services.
Mutual aid strengthens regional collaboration
Shelby Fire both provided and received mutual aid throughout the year. The department assisted in 26 incidents, including a house explosion on Hook Road and other emergencies, while receiving aid for 19 incidents.
The report emphasized the importance of mutual aid in managing high-risk, low-frequency events, ensuring community needs are met despite resource limitations.
Grant awards supplement operations, enhance equipment
Shelby Fire successfully secured $5,360 in grant funding in 2024, with awards supporting new ambulance equipment and reducing service costs for Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) radios, which are critical for inter-agency communication.
Since 2000, the department has secured over $1.37 million in grant funding, bolstering its ability to enhance operations and maintain fiscal responsibility.
Responses showcase urgency of department’s work
The department responded to a variety of fire incidents in 2024, including 24 building fires, seven natural vegetation fires, and the 68 motor vehicle crashes with injuries. In 2024 Shelby also responded to several major events. A mutual aid drowning in Plymouth Township. A fire in a large hoarding house on Cook Road south of Mansfield, and an officer-involved shooting in Shelby.
"On Sept. 13, 2024 Shelby Fire responded (through) mutual aid with the Springfield Township Fire Department for a house explosion in the area of Hook Road and State Route 314," Thompson writes. "The scene was mass devastation upon arrival. The responding Shelby firefighters worked tirelessly to recover a survivor from the blast. The victim was found in the basement under several feet of debris. The recovery efforts had to be done mostly by hand."
Shelby Fire received widespread regional praise for their efforts in assisting at the scene that "eventually involved most of the fire departments in Richland and surrounding counties."
Shelby's aging fleet remains a concern, with vehicles like Engine 31, a 1996 rescue engine, nearing 30 years of service in 2025. Chief Thompson outlined plans for beginning discussions on modernizing the fleet to maintain operational readiness.
Community engagement highlights a preventative approach
The department distributed smoke detectors in partnership with the American Red Cross, focusing on families unable to afford them. Firefighters also taught CPR and first-aid classes certified by the American Heart Association, offering training to both healthcare providers and the general public.
The report urged residents to check smoke detector batteries bi-annually and replace detectors older than 10 years.
Station expansion on the horizon
Shelby Fire’s station, which opened in 2018, is becoming overcrowded due to increased staffing. Some personnel currently sleep in the training room, a temporary solution as plans for an expansion take shape.
In the report, Thompson emphasized the need to address space constraints, noting that additional room is essential for both training and daily operations.
The Shelby Fire Department’s plans for 2025 focus on infrastructure improvements, fleet modernization efforts, and continued community engagement.
The report highlighted the department’s mission "to enhance the quality of life and unique character of Shelby by providing excellent fire, EMS, and rescue services with well-trained personnel."