Richmond Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services outside the city’s boundaries in Wayne Township and Spring Grove.
During its Sept. 25 meeting, the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety approved contracts with both entities to continue RFD’s service in 2026. Wayne Township will pay $894,254, an increase of $93,508 from 2025’s $800,746 bill. Spring Grove will pay $78,589, an increase of $16,294 from 2025’s $62,289 cost.
The board also approved RFD’s contract with Richmond Community Schools to provide fire, rescue and EMT classes through the Richmond Area Career Center during the 2025-26 school year. RCS will pay $41,000, plus $500 per student beyond the 15 minimum students. RCS will also pay $300 per firefighter class student and $400 per EMT student for textbooks, workbooks and incidental fees.
During the 2024-25 school year, RCS paid a $36,000 base rate.
A change order approved by the board increased the cost for painting the burn building, garage doors and trim at the Israel David “Izzy” Edelman Police and Fire Training Center by $231.79. The original contract with Patriot Painting and Drywall of New Paris, Ohio, was for $6,750, but Pro Industrial paint was needed rather than Loxon.
A version of this article appeared in the October 1 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.