Monclova Township Professional Firefighters Local 5450

03/30/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we are proud to introduce Paramedic Kaleigh Betzer, currently assigned to A-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & Rescue.

Kaleigh began her career with Williams County EMS in 2018 before joining Monclova Township Fire Department in October of 2024. She holds certifications as a Paramedic and Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, bringing both experience and a passion for education to the department.

🚑 What inspired you to become a paramedic?
I’ve always had a deep love for healthcare. As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a nurse, but what really caught my eye was the ambulance in my hometown. During my final year of high school, I signed up for an EMT-B course—and I was hooked!

❤️ Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
The people. The residents are kind and appreciative, and my coworkers truly care about each other—it really feels like a team and a family.

🍽️ Favorite firehouse meal?
Anything A-Shift Chef Cook makes… minus BLTs.

🌎 Off the job you’ll find her:
Spending time with friends and family or taking a spontaneous trip somewhere new.

👩‍⚕️ Favorite part of the job:
Every day is different. I enjoy not only teaching, but also continuously learning new things!

👏 Thank you, Kaleigh, for your dedication and commitment to serving the Monclova community!

03/23/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we are proud to introduce Firefighter/Paramedic Kiah Macy, currently assigned to B-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & Rescue.

Kiah, a graduate of the University of Akron, joined Monclova Township Fire Department as a part-time member in July of 2024 and transitioned to full-time in February of 2025. She began her fire service career with Waterville Fire Department in August of 2023 before bringing her dedication and passion to Monclova.

🚒 What inspired you to become a firefighter?
When I was younger, my father was a volunteer firefighter for a short period of time. But it wasn’t until I was in college studying Early Childhood Education that I realized I truly wanted to be part of the fire service. It was a challenging process both physically and mentally, but it was all worth it to get to where I am today!

❤️ Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
My favorite part about working for Monclova Township is definitely the community that I help serve — it’s like no other!

🍽️ Favorite firehouse meal?
Not to toot my own horn, but I usually cook all the firehouse meals on my shift… so you’ll have to ask them which one’s the best!

🎨 Off the job you’ll find her:
Knitting or doing anything crafty, at the gym, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

👨‍🚒 Favorite part of the job:
Getting to work alongside great friends while serving a community we all love. A 24-hour shift may seem long, but time flies when you’re having fun!

👏 Thank you, Kiah, for your dedication and service to Monclova Township!

03/16/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we’re proud to introduce Firefighter/EMT Josh Stagner, currently assigned to C-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & EMS and serving as Secretary/Treasurer for IAFF Local 5450.

Josh began his fire service career with Lake Township Fire Department in 2003 and Perrysburg City Fire Department as a part-time firefighter in 2009, before joining Monclova Township in 2022. He currently holds certifications as a Firefighter, EMT-B, Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, and Live Fire Instructor.

1️⃣ What inspired you to become a firefighter?
During my teenage years, I was actively involved in the Boy Scouts, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Our troop was sponsored by the Millbury Fire Association, and after experiencing their support firsthand, I felt compelled to give back to the community that had invested in us. That commitment led me to join the fire service. What began as a way to serve quickly grew into a deep appreciation for the brotherhood and sense of purpose within the fire service. More than twenty years later, that same dedication continues to drive me.

2️⃣ Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
The greatest part of working for Monclova Township is the people—both the dedicated employees and the supportive residents. It’s rare to find a workplace and a community that consistently bring out the best in one another, and Monclova Township truly offers the best of both.

3️⃣ Favorite firehouse meal?
Many of the meals at the firehouse are excellent, but what I value most is sitting down as a shift and sharing real-life experiences. Those conversations—mixed with a little joking around—bring us together and help us support one another. The kitchen table is where we connect, learn, and, in our own way, solve the world’s problems.

4️⃣ Off the job you will find Josh:
Outside of the job, you’ll usually find me running my four kids to the various activities they’re involved in and spending quality time with my family. In the winter, I enjoy curling, and in the summer I love camping and swimming in the pool.

5️⃣ Favorite part of the job?
One of the most rewarding parts of this job is the opportunity to teach and learn alongside people who truly love the fire service and are passionate about the work we do. That level of dedication is rare today, and I genuinely believe we have something special here at Monclova Township.

Thank you, Josh, for your dedication and service to our community! 🚒

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03/14/2026

Happy 173rd Birthday, Monclova Township. You're looking good! This is an actual postcard sent from Monclova approximately 1912 era. Love the humor!

03/09/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we’re proud to introduce Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Harris, currently assigned to C-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & EMS.

Mike began his fire service career with Defiance Fire & Rescue and brought 14 years of experience with him when he joined Monclova Township in January 2025. Throughout his career, Mike has continued to expand his knowledge and skillset, earning certifications as a Firefighter, Paramedic, Fire Safety Inspector, Fire & Emergency Services Instructor, Live Fire Instructor, and CPR/First Aid Instructor.

🚒What inspired you to become a firefighter?
“Watching the events of 9/11 and seeing the firefighters respond with incredible courage and patriotism had a huge impact on me. After doing some job shadowing, I knew the fire service was exactly where I wanted to be.”

🏡Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
“The closeness of the department and the teamwork. It truly feels like a group of brothers and sisters working together.”

🍗Favorite firehouse meal?
“It’s hard to beat a Josh Stagner-prepped Thanksgiving turkey. But honestly, we’ve got a lot of great cooks here, so it’s tough to pick just one.”

🦌Off the job you’ll find Mike:
Deer or turkey hunting, working out at the gym, or relaxing with sports and movies.

👨🏻‍🚒Favorite part of the job?
“The feeling of going on a call—whether it’s a medical call or a fire—and having the entire crew working together and clicking as a team to get the best possible outcome. Then coming back to the firehouse and sharing that camaraderie with the crew. And nothing beats the feeling of going into a house fire and putting it out.”

We’re proud to have Mike as part of the Monclova team and grateful for the experience, dedication, and leadership he brings to the department and the community every day.

03/02/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we’re proud to introduce Firefighter/Paramedic Jacob Bruce, currently assigned to A-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & EMS.

Jacob began his journey with Monclova Township as a part-time firefighter in November 2020, transitioned to full-time in March 2025, and earned his Paramedic certification in August 2025. His dedication to growth and service speaks for itself.

🚒 What inspired him to become a firefighter?
Jacob originally planned to pursue nursing, but his mom encouraged him to take a Fire/EMS class in high school instead of a med tech course. Emergency medicine immediately caught his attention — and once he stepped into the fire side of the job, he was hooked. What started as curiosity quickly became a calling.

🏡 Favorite part about working for Monclova?
“The community.”
Monclova’s supportive, welcoming residents make serving here something special. It’s a beautiful community that truly backs its fire department.

🍝 Favorite firehouse meal?
Chicken Alfredo — A-Shift approved.

🚤 Off duty?
You’ll likely find Jacob spending time with family or out boating when the weather cooperates.

👨‍🚒 Best part of the job?
Helping people — while working alongside great friends.

We’re proud to have Firefighter/Paramedic Bruce serving our community. If you see him around town or out on a call, give him a wave!

02/15/2026

TRAINING TOGETHER. READY TO RESPOND.

This week, Monclova Township Professional Firefighters Local 5450 conducted Ice Rescue Training alongside our mutual aid partners at City of Maumee Fire & EMS

Cold water emergencies don’t leave room for hesitation. Through joint training, we sharpen technical rescue skills, strengthen interoperability, and ensure seamless operations when seconds matter most.

Strong partnerships. Realistic training. One mission—protecting our communities when conditions are at their worst.
Maumee Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 4536

01/28/2026

🚒 7 Days. 5 Working Structure Fires. 🚒

Over the past seven days, Monclova Township Fire & EMS has responded to five working structure fires, alongside our trusted mutual aid partners from surrounding departments.

These incidents are a reminder that fires can happen anytime, anywhere—and that quick, coordinated response saves lives and limits damage. We are grateful for the teamwork, professionalism, and rapid response to assist our neighboring fire departments who continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us when it matters most.

🔥 Fire Safety Reminders for Our Community:
• Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home
• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed
• Keep flammable items away from heat sources
• Never leave cooking unattended
• Have and practice a home fire escape plan with your family

Your safety starts at home—and we’re proud to protect this community every day with the help of our regional partners.
Springfield Twp. Fire Dept. Local 3544
Maumee Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 4536
City of Waterville Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 5409

Stay safe, Monclova.

01/24/2026

01/23/2026

Monclova Township, Maumee, and Springfield Township Fire Departments responded to a reported commercial structure fire at the Johns Manville manufacturing facility on River Road. The incident involved a fire inside a piece of manufacturing equipment within the plant. The facility’s internal fire suppression system contained the fire, and responding crews conducted checks for fire extension.

01/10/2026

You Don’t Get This Patch by Being Average

We would like to spotlight Adam Weist, Dylan Turner, and Lucas Parmelee, they recently passed National Registry and stepped up to Paramedic—because in Monclova Township, “good enough” isn’t a thing.

This is what progressive EMS looks like: grind, discipline, and refusing to stay stagnant. Adam, Dylan, and Lucas didn’t just meet the standard—they earned it. Our community gets sharper care because of it.

No shortcuts. No excuses. Just professionals raising the bar alongside our Medical Director Dr. Thomas Boggs (Guardian Response Group).
Welcome to the next level, FF/Paramedic Weist, FF/Paramedic Turner, and FF/Paramedic Parmelee