Akron Fire Department (Ohio)

==History==
=== Firefighting Insignia ===
Akron's original firefighting badge was a Maltese Cross which had various parts to represent the following: Four points to represent brotherhood, charity, heroism, and patriotism. A house, coupling, and nozzle for union and what unites firefighters into one common firefighter army constantly on guard to protect all that is near and dear to the people. Sprays of olive branch to represent peace, a sunburst for the univerality of service and as the sun radiates service to all firefighters will too especially those in dire distress. Lastly their helmet represents the dignity of their responsibility in firefighting, lastly the tinge of red expressing fervency and zeal which admonishes all to remember the fallen firefighters.
=== Akron's Fire Chiefs ===
* J.C. McNeil, 1866 - 1870
* Robert Moffet, 1870 - 1871
* John Hays, 1871 - 1876
* Edward Simpson, 1876 - 1884
* F.B. Manderbaugh, 1884 - 1901
* J.F. Mertz, 1901 - 1930
* W.F. Whoeler, 1930 - 1936
* C.E. Harris, 1937 - 1942
* F.C. Vernotzy, 1942 - 1956
* G.F. Vernotzy, 1956 - 1971
* Don Adams, 1971 - 1971 (Acting Chief)
* Carl Best, 1971 - 1981
* James H. Harris, 1981 - 1988
* George A Romanoski, 1988 - 1991
* Thomas Alexander, 1991 - 1997
* Charles R. Gladman, 1997 - 2007
* Larry Bunner, 2007 - 2011
* Rob Ross, 2011 - 2015
* Edward Hiltbrand, 2015 - August 10, 2016
* Larry Bunner, August 10, 2016 - December 1, 2016 (Acting Chief)
* Clarence Tucker, 2016 - 2022
* Joseph Natko, 2022 - April 2024
* Leon Henderson, June 7, 2024 - Present
===1825 - 1866: The Volunteer Era===
From 1825 until the formation of volunteer fire companies in 1840, Akron appointed Fire Wardens to monitor fire safety. Akron's neighbor Middlebury was protected by the East Akron Volunteer Fire Company until the 1830s. Akron Council provided for the creation and maintenance of fire companies in 1839 and several were formed, including North Akron Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 in 1839, Niagara Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 in 1845 and Tornado Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 in 1847.
=== 1866 - 1899: The Horse Drawn Era ===
The Fire Department was formed when the cities' volunteer companies merged together to form the Akron Fire Department in 1866, with M.C. McNeil being the first fire chief, followed by John Mertz in 1901, it became a paid department on March 2, 1903, and they were one of the first motorized departments in the United States. In 1867 the cities final volunteer company, the Eagle Hose Company, was formed and disbanded shortly thereafter when the AFD took them over around 1901. The department received a new steamer engine in 1868 and they believed they would never be imperiled by a fire again after this, but in March 1869 a large fire burned a large part of the cities business section. The cities lack of water was emphasized later on during the winter of 1868 and 1869 when a fire wiped out all of the building on both sides of East Market Street between Main Street and High Street. That fire occurred on March 11th, 1868 at 2 o'clock that Sunday morning in C. Vogt's saloon on the south side of Market Street. The alarm was sounded and the volunteers raced to the scene with their hooks and ladders and new steamer. Hose was laid down market Street to the canal and they began to pump water, but before the water could reach the fire the engine broke down. An old hand pump was then brought to fight the fire but it was hard for them to pump the water up the hill to the fire and their efforts were in vain. A strong wind blew that day which spread the fire quickly by daybreak every building was destroyed. Many of the businesses were a terrible loss for the community as they were well known businesses. Before the fire went out citizens began demanding that water reservoirs were provided so that later fires could be combatted easier and the city officials replied that they had no available funds, this led to many citizens raising money to pay for water cisterns. This led to eighteen cisterns being completed over the next few years, the smallest held 500 gallons of water and the largest had 2,200 gallons. Thirteen of these were built in the East Market-Fir Hill are, three in Downtown, and one in Middlebury at East Market Street and Arlington Street. One was constructed on Hill Street between Center Street and James Street to protect the Buckeye and Empire mower and reaper works. Akron gained its first college in 1872, a classical college built from the contributions of many including John R. Buchtel, the majority of other donators were Universalists with the college being named Buchtel College. Industrial Akron was formed from the village of Middlebury, founded in 1807 in Portage County, it had one fire company, until the 1830s, the East Akron Fire Company which was disbanded. In 1871, 2 horses and 3 men were employed. In April, 1872 Middlebury was annexed to Akron as Ward 6 and the area of East Market Street between Arlington Street and Case Avenue became known by its residents as downtown while Akron's downtown became over town. In 1870, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich came to Akron to check on advertised factory sites, establishing the first rubber factory west of the Allegheny Mountains, located on the banks of the canal south of Exchange Street. Before he came to Akron he had seen a friends home destroyed by fire because the firehose had burst and he determined to make a firehose that could stand up under pressure, he would produce a firehouse known as the White Anchor at his business called the Akron Rubber Company. In 1876 a new Fire Station 1 was constructed and demolished around 1884 when the new city hall was built. By 1880 Akron's population had grown to 16,462, Buchtel College would burn down December 20, 1899, then a mill at Mill Street, Summit Street, Broadway and Quarry Street burned, the cost to the owner, Ferdinand Schumacher was $600,000. In 1881 the first Fire Alarm Headquarters opened which served until 1900 when the building was burned down during a riot. The city water works opened in May 1881 for use followed by a formal opening June 2, 1881. The first fire where a hydrant was used was that same day at the house of Joseph Jahant on South Maple Street.
=== 1881 Annual Report ===
The FD's annual report from 1881 has little remaining however, at the time the chief stated that the apparatus and buildings were all in good repair and the following: A part of the Central Fire House was appropriated by the Street Lighting Committee for an electric light machine and the engine driving it. This had been placed under the supervision of Engineer Frank F. Loomis of the Fire Department a well fitted mechanic. Another member was appointed in October as a driver, proving a valuable acquisition he would bring two hose reels simultaneously, whereas before that the second reel would be delayed as more members would need to be called. Fire alarm boxes had to be rewired that year with new ones designed by Engineer Stanford which gave perfect satisfaction. They never failed and were never found to be out of order some people tampered with Box 253 over the summer the box had to be taken down as the perpetrators were relentless with their tampering. Four new boxes were placed and about a mile and a half of wire was added to the line. This wire had become very worn that any kind of wind or rain would destroy them. No accidents worthy of note happened, however one horse sadly died after reaching a fire on February 28th. The death was caused by an organic disease that could not have been prevented, two members died in the line of duty, Engineer James H. Stamford from erysipelus, he died January 3rd after being discharged December 9, 1880 He was the first permanent firefighter hired and he was a very good beloved employee. The second death was that of horseman Jason Brennan, caused by malaria, his death occurred October 23. Engineer Standford was replcaed be Fireman Frank F. Loomis and James Dunn replaced Brennan. They were employed by WM. Hillier who retired in September and was replaced by Edward Dunn and Robert Boyd was appointed as another driver. The water works formally opened June 2 and 4 streams of water were demonstrated at once at Market Street and Main Street which was satisfying to the many attendees. Since the fire at Joseph Jahants' home hydrants had been used anywhere they were available. A increase in horses and men was requested due to the 3x increase in calls from 1880 - 1881. All of the fire cisterns were filled and kept in good repair, none were added. At this point the department consisted of 3,150 feet of hose and 40 horses and 43 men and the formerly in use leather hose was turned over to the street committee. At this time the pays were as follows: The chief received $175 per year, assistant $100, steamer engineer, $85 per month, fireman of steamer $60, driver of steamer $50, driver of hose cart $50, driver of truck $50, tillerman $50, call hose men, 40 cents per house, call ladder men 40 cents, and call steamer men 40 cents.
==== Fires Occurring In 1881 ====
* January 2nd: Rolling Mill
* January 7th: Printing Company Engine Room
* January 8th: Ellen C. Sangsters home
* February 3rd: Dye Works, and Dr. Sislers home
* February 5th: T. Harris' home
* February 7th: Mrs. Britton's Restaurant
* February 13th: Congregational Church
* February 17th: Conrad Finks home
* February 21st; Mrs. Tices' home
* February 22nd: Baker & McMillan Shop, and John Feuehters' home
* February 25th: J.B. Etz's stable
* February 28th: J.J. Wright's barn
* March 12th: J.A. Moody's barn and G. Eberhards machine shop
* March 27th: Dr. YT. MacEbrights home
* April 20th: William Sebroeders store x2
* April 21st: F.G. Merrians home
* April 23rd: Mrs. Ruth Baileys home
* April 28th: L.C. Parkers shop
* May 3rd: Brewster Coal Company, oil house
* May 4th: W. Andrews bakery
* May 5th: John Howes barn
* May 10th: Christian Daeges home
* May 11th: W.M. Garmans home
* June 2nd: Joseph Jahants barn
* June 4th: The Germania Printing Company, engine room
The remainder of the list has been lost to time.
==== Equipment List As Of 1881 ====
* 1, 8 Quart, measure
* 3 monkey wrenches
* 3 extra nozzles
* 45 bushels of oats
* 1 oil can
* 20 gallons of kerosene oil
* 1 castor oil quart
* 2 gallons of downers cleaning oil
* 15 gallons of lard oil
* 20 pounds of oil meal
* 10 pounds of centennial engine packing
* 4 pounds of sheet rubber packing
* 1 set of packing tools
* 20 pictures
* 2 hoof picks
* 8 pillows
* 16 pillow slips
* 1 pipe wrench
* 1 platform scale
* 1 extra pole hook
* 1 chain pump
* 1 steam pump
* 1 hose drying rack
* 1 stable bedding rack
* 3 towel racks
* 16 steam radiators
* 1 pair of reins for lead horses
* 300 feet of 1/2 inch rope
* 225 feet of 5/8 inch rope
* 155 feet of 1 1/4 inch rope
* 1 rope reel
* 7 rugs
* 1 riding saddle
* 20 pounds of salt
* 300 pounds of scrap brass and bell metal
* 500 pounds of scrap wrought iron
* 4 brass service pipes
* 35 shades for gas burners
* 1 extra pair of wagon shafts
* 1 lamp trimming pair
* 40 bed sheets
* 1 scooping shovel
* 1 cast iron sink
* 1, 2 horse exercising sled
* 1, 1 horse exercising sled
* 40 soap bars
* 2 soap dishes
* 1 sprinkling can
* 1 sprinkling box
* 12 spitloons
* 5 sponges
* 3 stable buckets
* 700 pounds of straw
* 1 supply wagon
* 1 large swage block
* 2 draughting tables
* 4 pair of double sheave tackles
* 1, 30 barrel tank
* 4 taps
* 1 tarpaulin cover for a steamer
* 1 thermometer
* 1 pair of adjustable gas pipe tongs
* 500 pounds of machinery tools
* 1 set of tools for putting coupling on hose
* 1 torch
* 4 towels
* 2 pounds of tripoli
* 1 complete hook and ladder truck
* 1 pair of tugs for the lead horse on a hose cart
* 3 extra valves for hydrants
* 2 blacksmith vises
* 1 small vise bench
* 1, 2 horse exercising wagon
* 1, 1 horse exercising wagon
* 2 enameled iron wash bowls
* 1 stone ware wash bowl
* 1 set of light truck wheels
* 6 whips
* 4 1/2 cords of wood for steamers
===== Fire Alarm Telegraph Equipment As Of 1881 =====
* 2 post hole augers
* 7 extra boxes
* 4 sets of box castings
* 50 extra brackets
* 1 pair of clamps
* 46 new coppers
* 28 extra cross arms
* 2, 14 inch gongs
* 4, 5 inch gongs
* 25 extra stone ware insulators
* 40 jars in main battery
* 8 jars in local battery
* 3 extra jars
* 4 keys in use
* 29 keys from old boxes
* 1 ladder
* 28 miles of lines and supports
* 2 lighting arresters
* 1 maul
* 1 pick
* 2 pike poles
* 1 pin
* 1 pair of pliers
* 48 extra poles
* 4 relays
* 2 shovels
* 40 signal stations
* 1 spade
* 1 steel bar
* 1 stretching strap
* 1 switch board
* 1 double tackle block with rope
* 1 single tackle block with rope
* 1 tub
* 1 twister
* 140 pounds of vitriol
* 30 pounds of No. 10 wire
* 56 new zines
==== Property In Each Station As Of 1881 ====
===== Main Street Firehouse, 5th Ward =====
* 2 Babock truck running gears
* 1 magazine heating boiler
* 1 breeching for boiler
* 2 leather buckets
* 1 damper for boiler
* 60 feet of 3/4 inch drag rope
* 1 boiler diaphragm
* 1 fire police wagon
* 1, 1 1/2 inch globe valve
* 1 hand hose carriage
* 4, 3 way hydrants
* 5, 2 way hydrants
* 1, 20 foot ladder
* 2, 18 foot ladders
* 1, 2 inch safety valve
* 1 stove
===== Geo. Viall's Warehouse, 6th Ward =====
* 1 hand hose carriage
* 400 feet of rubber 2 1/2 inch hose
* 1 play pipe
In 1884 Akron's shifts were answered by call men, they answered alarms from stations 1 or 2 until 1886 when stations 3 and 4 opened they had one day off every 8 days. In the early 1880s a man named Schumacher, the so-called "Oatmeal King" was a poor believer in insuring his property. That would come back to bite him in the winter of 1885-1886, as on March 6, 1886 five hours before daybreak, dust would explode in one of his grain mills and all of his structures at Broadway and Mill Street were soon on fire. B.F. Manderbaugh with a force of 12 firemen would respond but their efforts to control the blaze were futile. The fire spread to all of the buildings there including the Jumbo Mill and a general alarm was sounded bringing volunteers streaming in from all directions. The fire would continue to increase in fury and flames shot up in the sky lighting up entire the entire town and they were visible from miles away. A large crowd would soon gather. Calls were sent to other cities for assistance, Kent would sender an engine and several men by train along with Cleveland, they both arrived at about 7 AM but by this point the fire had grown so much that nothing could stop it, it raged for the entire day and night. The flames eventually finally died down and all of Schumachers establishment laid in ruin, except for one mill and an office remained standing, this carried a loss of $600,000 or about $19 billion today. Frank A. Nighswander was appointed to the fire department on December 1, 1894, later retiring as a Captain on June 16, 1923 at 52 years old. His salary for the previous five years was $2,160 with a $864 yearly pension or $72 monthly. Captain Frank Nighswander recalled his account of how the horses were trained in the newspaper. The horses were brought out of the same stock as the ordinary farm hose, with the only difference being the care they receive. He claimed any horse could be trained to do anything if they were handled right, there were few hoses who could not learn and they were handicapped when they were colts in some way. It took about three weeks on average to train the horses to a point where they could be depended on, in extreme cases it would take up to two months, however. When they would make the first runs with the horses they were apt to thinking they were running away, but that would be overcome and usually after the second run they could be easily stopped. After their time was up the horses would be retired from the department as it was the best thing for the department and the community in general. At this time the department had 43 men and a 18 section rules and regulations book. They responded to 70 fires in 1881. In 1897 the rules were rewritten in another book with 103 rules. On December 20, 1899, the entire Buchtel Collage burned down with a $200,000 loss. Park Kolbe, the later president of the University of Akron, was a sophomore at that college on the day of the fire. Citizens, students, and firefighters all came together to save as much as they could and classes resumed January 4, 1900 with classes held in the partitioned off gym. On March 21, 1900 the trustees ordered the erection of new recitation hall which is the present Buchtel Hall. 
=== 1900 - 1924: Motorization ===
Around 1900 the PD's first motorized apparatus was designed by Frank F. Loomis who was the cities mechanical genius, he built the world's first electric police patrol wagon and predicted when horses of the FD would pass away. The apparatus he designed was a right hand drive car which was electric. On July 1, 1901, Chief Mertz replaced Chief Manderbaugh. In 1903 the department became fully paid. The first fire truck cost $1,500. In 1908 the department ran 792 1/2 miles, worked 534 1/2 hours, laid 33,450 feet of 2 1/2 inch hoses, 10,650 feet of chemical hoses, and 1,697 feet of ladders. The department had 67 members, officers, and men, 32 horses and 17 pieces of fire apparatus including: 
* One Chief Automobile
* One Assistant Chief Buggy
* One Mechanical Engineers Buggy
* Six Engines
* Four Combination Hose Wagons
* One Combination Truck
* Two Aerial Trucks
* Seven Exercise Wagons
* One Supply Wagon
* Two Horse Carriages
* One Service Truck
The annual report from that year states that the departments level of discipline was up to par, people took off 295 days and 8 hours, no members resigned, one was given a pension, one "appointment" was made, two promotions, and nine transfers were made and the fire alarm system was up to par. They had 10,200 feet of callout hose, 2600 feet of rubber hose and 550 feet of cotton hose in reserve and 1,250 feet of 1 inch rubber chemical hose. They had 32 horses, four purchased, two sold, the stations were in good condition and the apparatus was as well with the exception of Engine 2, lastly they had 432 hydrant, 3 were new and 20 cisterns which were all in good condition and people cooperated well when their buildings were inspected. On May 18, 1909, the Hower Building on West Market Street burned which was the worst fire since that of the Jumbo Mill. On October 11, 1911 a new firefighter Walter Fenton who filled the vacancy of F.N. Fenton was hired, F.N. Fenton was found insane and sent to an asylum in Massillon, the newspaper joked that he escaped and had not been found. In 1917 the AFD was having issues with people cooperating with them in preventing fires much to the annoyance of Chief Mertz. Company 8 was commissioned during the 1910s and 9 in 1921. The entire fleet became motorized in 1913. This motorization was partially responsible for the latest Station 1 being built at 57 South Broadway as the Station 1 before it was not ready for the modern apparatus. Between 1917 and 1920 the newspaper reported that Akron was one of the first cities to have a fully motorized fleet and that the FD's record of efficiency had never been interrupted but the department still suffered manpower issues and during a large fire all the apparatus was deployed to the said one fire. In 1918 raises were granted for the fire and police departments, the firefighters each got a raise ranging from 120$ to $360 and the police $120 - $160. In 1919 Chief Mertz recommended the construction of Station 8. The pumper Station 8 received was involved in an accident with a streetcar at Main Street and Lake Street on April 2, 1919. That pumper had been in service since August of 1908, a new truck was ordered the same year to replace that one. It was a White Triple Combination Automobile Apparatus with a rotary pump that had 600 GPM, placed in service August 14th, 1919. At the end of 1919 the stations and equipment were as follows: 
==== Apparatus As Of 1919: ====
===== Fire Station 1 - 57 South Broadway =====
* Chief Car: Pierce Arrow, staffed by chief and 3 men, 25 gallon chemical tank, 2-3 gallon chemical extinguishers.
* Assistant Chief's Car: 1911 Olds Autocrat, staffed by assistant chief and 3 men, 30 gallon chem tank, 2-3 gallon chem extinguishers, one life saving lung motor, and one electric searchlight
* Hook & Ladder 1: Couple Gear Freight Wheel Company Hook & Ladder Truck, 85 ft aerial ladder, electric storage battery driven, 283 ft of various ladders, deluge sets, ladder pipe, life net, life gun, search light, smoke helmets, plaster hooks, tarps, battering ram, life rope, and other miscellaneous equipment.
* One captain, one lieutenant, and 10 firemen.
===== Fire Station 2 - East Exchange Street and East Market Street =====
* One Triple Combination Pumper
* One captain, one lieutenant, 10 firemen
===== Fire Station 3 - South Maple Street and Crosby Street =====
* One Triple Combination Pumper
* One captain, one lieutenant, 7 firemen
===== Fire Station 4 - South Main Street and Farr Street =====
* One Triple Combination Pumper
* One captain, one lieutenant, 7 firemen
===== Fire Station 5 - Union Street and Buchtel Street =====
* One Automobile Hose Wagon
* One Second Size Steam Fire Engine
* One 65 Foot Aerial
* One captain, one lieutenant, 10 firemen
* Machine Shop and lineman shop
===== Fire Station 6 - 470 Wooster Avenue =====
* One Boyd Automobile City Service Truck
* No Manpower
===== Fire Station 7 - 15 West Cuyahoga Falls Avenue =====
* One Triple Combination Pumper
* One Captain, one lieutenant, seven firemen
===== Fire Station 8 - East Miller Avenue and Getz Street =====
* One Triple Combination Pymper
* One Captain, one lieutenant, seven firemen
During the 1920s the fire loss per capita was the lowest among Ohio's largest cities and the chief said he need 40 more men and more stations added. In April 1920 a hotel at Mill Street and High Street caught fire which caused the newspaper to once again push for better funding for the AFD. The fire was caused when a series of explosions occurred in the sewers causing manholes to shoot up to 100 feet into the air, these explosions led to a fire which was discovered 15 minutes later prompting a response by the AFD. This fire was the largest the department had fought in a while bringing onlookers from all over, many claimed it was the best performance they'd ever seen from a fire department including a man from Chicago who said they did better than any fireman from there. A fire occurred shortly thereafter at the building of the Evening Times also on High Street, it took them 4 hours but the AFD managed to put it out which furthered the citizens attempts to get the firefighters higher salaries. In the late 1920s Canal Fulton was fighting a large warehouse fire and they requested aid, that prompted Akron to send a engine, they traveled 14 mile to Canal Fulton and successfully saved the warehouse and other property. Station 9 was completed in 1921 at 98 Dodge Avenue, it was put in service October 16, 1921 with one captain, one lieutenant, and 8 firemen. The AFD responded to 589 Bell Alarms, 205 still alarms, 5 second alarms, 2 third alarms, 0 fourth alarms, 37 intentional false alarms, 34 unintentional false alarms, 7 alarms outside of the city, 9 accidents, 3 horses in ditches, 13 "take down signs", 3 basements flooding, and 682 fires, 545 of which were fought with water while 137 were fought with chemicals in 1921. During 1922 the types of fires they responded to were caused by thawing frozen pipes with fire (3), ashes near wood (10), oil stoves exploding (5), rubber hose connections on gas stoves (2), overheated smoke houses (5), clothes boiling over on a stove (1), overheated brooders (3), lamps exploding (1), carelessness with lighted matches (50), carelessly smoking (76), short circuits (36), and children using matches (24) for a total of 216. In 1923 Akron was still severely under staffed and made of too few apparatus and stations for its size and budget increases were still being requested. During this time firemen worked shifts of 24 hours on then 24 hours on until 1928 when extra days off were given. Since about 1923 Akron had been giving EMS type services like resuscitating victims of fires making it one of the first to do so. In 1924 Chief Mertz retired and a surprise testimonial dinner was given at the main fire station and some firefighters were invited. 
=== 1925 - 1949: Great Depression & WWII ===
In 1927 the AFD was praised for how they would fight fires by the National Board of Underwriters. After this Engine 5 put on a demonstration and they were recognized as one of the best fire departments in the country and Chief Mertz as "one of the best qualified chiefs in the business." Chief Mertz ran as mayor and made no speeches nor spent any money on the campaign as he believed the position would seek him out, he obviously did not become mayor. In 1929 Kenmore was annexed by Akron and their VFD was disbanded, this prompted the opening of Fire Station 10 at 1315 Kenmore Boulevard. Station 10 received a new White Triple Combination Auto Pumper, two captains and eight firemen and Kenmores brand new truck was sent to Fire Station 2. Also in 1929, Fire Station 11 was built but it wasn't staffed until 1934 due to the depression. Chief W.E. Woehler was appointed after Chief Mertz died in 1930. The AFD won the county championship for a checkers match that year as well. As of 1932 the apparatus was as follows:
==== Apparatus & Manpower As Of 1932: ====
===== Fire Station 1 - 57 South Broadway =====
* Chief's Car, staffed by the chief and two firefighters
* Ford Assistant Chief's Car, staffed by both assistant chiefs and four firefighters
* White Hose Wagon
* Ahrens Fox pumper
* Two captains, 14 firefighters
* One Ladder
* Two captains, 10 firefighters
===== Fire Station 2 - East Market Street and East Exchange Street =====
* Seagrave Triple Combination pumper
* Two captains, 10 firefighters
===== Fire Station 3 - South Maple Steet and Crosby Street =====
* Ahrens Fox Triple Combination pumper
* Two captains, eight firefighters
===== Fire Station 4 - 801 Coburn Street =====
* Triple Combination pumper
* Two captains, 10 firefighters
* Ahrens-Fox One Hook and Ladder
* Two captains, eight firefighters
===== Fire Station 5 - East Buchtel Street and Union Street =====
* White Hose Wagon
* Ahrens Fox pumper
* Two captains, 14 firefighters
* Seagrave Hook and Ladder
* Two captains, eight firefighers
===== Fire Station 6 - 470 Wooster Avenue =====
* White Triple Combination pumper
* Two captains, six firefighters
===== Fire Station 7 - 15 West Cuyahoga Falls Avenue =====
* Ahrens Fox pumper
* Two captains, six firefighters
===== Fire Station 8 - East Miller Street and Getz Avenue =====
* Ahrens-Fox Triple Combination pumper
* Two captains, eight firefighters
===== Fire Station 9 - 98 Dodge Avenue =====
* Ahrens-Fox Triple Combination pumper
* Two captains, six firefighters
===== Fire Station 10 - 1315 Kenmore Boulevard =====
* White Triple Combination pumper
* Two captains six firefighters
===== Fire Station 11 - 73 Massillon Road =====
* Unoccupied due to depression
On February 1, 1932 Akron laid off 25 firemen due to a lack of funds. At this time the department had 166 members and somehow managed to raise salaries. In 1934, the fire pension fund was exhausted and the department had to apply for a loan with the city while pensions remained unpaid, on March 1, 1934, Station 11 would open with a Ahrens-Fox pumper, two captains and eight firefighters after sitting unused since being built in 1929. At an unknown point during the depression Akron's employees would face payless days due to the cities financial struggles. In 1935 the AFD had a radio system installed from the fire headquarters to all stations.
==== Fire Alarm Statistics 1890 - 1939: ====
* 1890 - 118
* 1891 - 96
* 1892 - 111
* 1893 - 118
* 1894 - 163
* 1895 - 143
* 1896 - 113
* 1897 - 125
* 1898 - 158
* 1899 - 196
* 1900 - 204
* 1901 - 167
* 1902 - 175
* 1903 - 199
* 1908 - 213
* 1909 - 231
* 1910 - 316
* 1911 - 333
* 1912 - 428
* 1912 - 518
* 1914 - 469
* 1915 - 454
* 1916 - 651
* 1917 - 910
* 1918 - 785
* 1919 - 954
* 1920 - 1121
* 1921 - 794
* 1922 - 897
* 1923 - 1226
* 1924 - 1178
* 1925 - 1307
* 1926 - 1280
* 1927 - 1347
* 1928 - 1460
* 1929 - 1709
* 1930 - 1957
* 1931 - 1587
* 1932 - 1627
* 1933 - 1920
* 1934 - 1866
* 1935 - 1758
* 1936 - 2003
* 1937 - 1839
* 1938 - 1747
* 1939 - 2035
Eventually, the city would make it through the depression like the rest of the world, though. In 1942 it was state law that firemen work 24 hours on, 24 hours off with an extra day off. The United States government would send 4 new pumpers to AFD during this time they were for stations 3, 8, 10, and 11. They were 750GPM pumpers built by the General Fire Truck Company, they were attained through the lend lease program which made equipment available to cities to aid the national wellbeing, in Akron's case that meant fire trucks. A drill tower was constructed behind Fire Station 6 at this time and a training captain was added. The departments training manual was created, it was 80 pages long. The AFD purchased 16 MSA canisters and 16 extra canisters, they were filled with material that would convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. They were worn around the neck with a strap around the waist, they used a breathing tube with a mouthpiece which would clamp down on the teeth, they had no face pieces. They were discontinued when the SCBA's were introduced. In 1965, two Akron firefighters were killed while fighting a fire using these canisters. During WWII the department had 191 members with salaries ranging from $600 - $3960. Two-way radios were installed on two ladder trucks and a radio pick up station was installed at the top of Wooster Avenue in Sherbondy Hill which overlooked Summit Lake. In 1943 the importance of the new training bureau was shown and it was greatly expanded, Akron was responsible for training the entire county and anyone who requested it from Civil Defense Groups to Industrial Plant Fire Brigades. During 1943, 16 members were called to the military, 26 new members were added, 3 members returned from the military and six resigned or were dismissed. Fireman Earl A. Walker died during WWII and a monument was constructed for him at Fire Station 2. In 1944 the new Fire Station 2 was built and the new training program was approved in March 1946 which would now include hazmat. In 1946, two new fire inspectors were added and an arson bureau was formed. Chief Vernotzy recommended that Akron was divided into two districts and three battalions, he wanted Station 3 replaced and new stations at White Pond Drive and West Market Street (12), Wilbeth Road near Brown Street (13), East Market Street and Ellet Avenue (5), Brittain Road near Ottawa Avenue (14), Arlington Road near Wilbeth Road (8), Copley Road and Hawkins Avenue (6), Manchester Road and Wilbeth Road (10), Glenwood Avenue and Dan Street (7), and High Street near Cedar Street (Never constructed), he also wanted 25 additional firemen, three additional inspectors, two way radios for all apparatus, a new fire alarm office on High Street or Broadway between Market Street and Exchange Street, he wanted a new training school that covered one and a half acres. The training school was later constructed next to Fire Station 14. In 1949 there were 15 lieutenants, 10 engines companies, and four truck companies.
=== 1950 - 1974: Final Growth ===
In 1950 council decreased 33 captains to 13 stating that the AFD had too much brass. In 1950 the Fire Prevention Bureau was created. On October 18, 1950, Akronites voted on the firefighters hours, there was a plan to reduce hours to 56 hours a week and the department was made up of 216 men, 185 of which were firefighters and 31 of which were officers or special duty personnel. zin 1951 the AFD opened Fire Station 12 and Station 3 moved to its present building, additionally a new Seagrave ladder was purchased. Mayer Slusser began his plan to expand AFD with 100 new men and three more stations over the course of the next few years, the total cost for the stations was $400,000. In 1952 Chief Vernotzy was appointed, he was Akron's 9th chief. He began training at Fire Station 11. As of 1952 AFD had 12 engines and 4 trucks. In 1953 Truck 1 was a tiller, in January of that year someone hit the garage door before the entire tiller was out and the tillerman, Louie Holtzapfel, was pinned to his seat, he wasn't seriously injured thankfully. Mayor Slusser asked city council for $50,000 during 1953 for 25 firefighters salaries and street lights, the firefighters were sent to the newly constructed Fire Station 13. There were two serious fires in that January, one at a popular restaurant when a firefighter and the assistant chief were injured and another fire at Danner Press that did $10,000 in damage. Chief Vernotzy requested seven new stations and 30 more men that year for the quickly growing city. In June, the jail and Fire Alarm HQ burnt down, seven engines, three trucks, and three chiefs responded, 15 firemen and one prisoner were overcome by smoke, 114 prisoners were evacuated. In October, construction began on Fire Station 13 using land donated from Firestone, the building would cost $171,822, $50,000 more than Fire Station 12. Police officers and firefighters at this time believed they deserved a pay raise. The city began billing for fire department calls at this time and a large fire occurred on South Broadway as well as a large shootout. In 1954, the Sawz-All was first used at a fire at 449 Wooster Avenue. Fire Station 13 went into service with Engine 13 and Truck 5 in 1954. In 1955 Akron bought four walkie-talkies and converted to FM channels from AM. A firefighter was fired on account of missing a finger this year then quickly rehired on account that the move was too strict. Fire Station 14 began construction with a new training center this year and a three alarm fire broke out in May of that year calling 9 engines, 3 trucks, and 3 chiefs. In 1956 Chief Gerald Vernotzy was sworn in replacing his father. City council promoted three captains to district chiefs, ten lieutenants to captain and ten firemen to lieutenants. This resulted in a total of seven district chiefs. On November 14, 1956, Fire Station 14 opened for the first time with an open house from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, two lieutenants were appointed, Hubert Harris and Ralph Schueller. One of Akron's former chiefs C.E. Harris died January 3, 1957. The training center at Fire Station 14 provided training to all of Summit County at the time and was one of the best out there, additionally, the city considered for the first placing ambulances at all of the fire stations this year. A large fire rang out at Mirman's Cement House of Goodyear, it rang out as a first alarm at 2:30 PM, second alarm at 2:46 PM, and special call at 2:55 PM, it injured one firefighter, Jerry Reed with flash and another William Holman for cuts, it prompted the response of 16 fire companies. On May 20, Akron began offering county-wide training taught by Akron Chief Vernotzy and Boston Heights Chief Robert Wright. Chief Vernotzy wrote a hazmat and EMS training manual that was used into the 1970s throughout Ohio. There were many large fires throughout 1957 totaling in $655,000 in damage by May and 6,654 hours of overtime, all unpaid. In September of that year, a fire at the Brown Derby Restaurant and Economy Loan would kill Firefigher Ross Varner, September 11, 1957. He was killed by the electrical system and rescue teams had trouble saving him because his coat was slippery with water and cooking grease, this inspired the invention of a nylon strap which aided in many aspects of firefighting like rescues and holding hose lines. The Mayor at the time, Mayor Berg, was angry with how many sick hours firefighters were taken what he didn't know was why they were, the majority of the time, the cause was a terrible disease that was unavoidable and firefighters often worked double the hours of a normal person with less than double the normal persons pay, the Mayor later considered merging the roles of firefighters and police officers together, having firefighters patrol like police officers in station wagons 24 hours a day. In 1958, bells at firehouses stopped being used to alert firefighters and the firefighters pay increased. Chief Vernotzy asked for $4500 to equip all of the engines with siphon sprayers and 5 gallon cans of detergent and in February 1959 many officers were promoted. Ohio legislation changed the firefighers working hours that year requiring Akron to hire an additional 38 firefighters. Eventually, although the mayor was pessimistic about it the work week for firefighters was finally adjusted in 1966. Former Chief Frank Vernotzy died of a stroke in July of 1959. A the end of 1959 the department consisted of 1 chief, 1 deputy chief, 7 district chiefs, 1 communications superintendent, 1 training officer, 1 fire warden, 5 inspectors, 1 fire equipment superintendent, 4 automotive mechanics, 1 fire hydrant repair supervisor, 2 fire hydrant repairmen, 1 account and personnel officer, 1 clerk-stenographer, 1, second level clerk-typist, 1, first level, clerk-typist, 38 lieutenants and 195 firemen for a total of 300 employees. In January of 1960 Akron bought a new ladder truck for Fire Station 4 and a pay raise was instituted that same month. Akron at the time had a plan to link county-wide communications and would relay calls for the Sheriffs Department from their dispatch center. In October 1950, Engine 13 was dispatched to a house fire on Settlement Street, as the engine was pulling away both firefighters on the back of the truck fell off, one Fred P. Yantis was killed, while the other VanKirk was seriously injured but treated and released. In 1962 not only were both the APD and AFD severely understaffed, police by 35 and fire by 10, but AFD was also severely overworked and underpaid, receiving the lowest pay out of Ohio's 7 largest cities. In April of that year the national board of fire underwriters said that Akron needed 110 more firefighters and three more stations, they recommended stations on Tallmadge Avenue between Hone Avenue and Anaconda Road (7), Hawkins Avenue and Storer Avenue (Never Constructed), and Canton Road between Market Street and Belair (Never constructed), they also recommended that two of those stations have an engine and ladder and the third just an engine, and adding a ladder to Stations 10 and 11. Later in 1962, the chief reported that the city needed a new fire alarm headquarters and six new stations. In 1962 a pay raise was once again granted after the AFD gained more good publicity after saving a baby from the Cuyahoga River. On November 15, 1963, Fire Station 15 was dedicated. In the spring of 1964, the Capital Budgeting Manager, Deputy Administrator, and Chief Vernotzy considered combining Fire Stations 1 and 5 and Fire Stations 4 and 8. On January 1, 1965, at 9 AM, Fire Station 8 would close at 78 East Miller Avenue then reopen later at its present location. In November of that year a woman and two firemen died at a large fire at 985 East Market Street, the fire was a 6 alarm and all of Akron's off duty firefighters were called in 20 minutes. 10 engines, 4 trucks, and 1 chief with 55 firemen, and 36 police officers responded with certain fire stations left unstaffed. In 1966, the three platoon system as well as the multi-purpose nylon strap were introduced to AFD. The strap became standard equipment in 80 Ohio FD's and it proved very useful. The new fire alarm headquarters would be built in 1968 at 166 South High Street in the basement of the municipal building. In 1969, the AFD became the target of discrimination charges brought by Councilman Ed Davis. In 1971, Chief Gerald Vernotzy retired. On April 1, 1971 FF Prillaman died, after suffering a heart attack which caused him to not return to work. On April 15, 1971 there was a large fire at 1155 East Market Street, the same site as the Brown Derby fire several years earlier which killed one firefighter. Shortly before or after this air packs were required to be used at all fires. On April 21, 1971, Chief Carl Best replaced acting Chief Don Adams. In 1972, Akron ranked 44th among 52 cities for their firefighters capabilities. The Mayor at the time wanted to hold the construction of Station 6 to hire 30 more firefighters again due to being undermanned. A short time after this the chief introduced the rapid water system to the department. In June 1973, Akron's first black firefighters were sworn in, in August they were: Waddell Jeffries, No. 1, Stan Anderson and Lee Bethune, No. 2, Dave Goodwell, No. 3, Bill Stephens and Bill Lemley, No. 4, and Charlie Gladman, No. 6. In 1974 the John Ballard Administration asked for $12,500 for ad campaigns and $17,500 to hire consultants to validate new civil service exams for firefighters in an effort to get black firefighters hired. This same year the contract for a new station 4 was granted for a cost of $500,000. The previous Fire Station 6 would close for a short time and its engine was relocated to Fire Station 4 for a time, the firefighters there loved it.
=== 1975 - 1994: The Modern Era ===
In 1975, Akron began using psychological tests as part of fire promotional exams. In 1976, Akron and the NAACP reached an agreement on hiring blacks, Akron would hire one black for every two whites. This was to be in force for three years or until the force was 17% black. At about the same time the city voted to cut working hours to 48 from 56 and for binding arbitration. In September of that year 34 firefighters were to be hired and hours were cut to 54 a week. In 1977 the concept of Flying Squads was introduced which would reduce five man companies to three or four man companies. Three trucks were ordered for the flying squads at a cost of $45,000, they were on a pick-up chassis and could accommodate 4 men. In December of that year pay raises would go into affect if a court order went through. In 1978 Medics were introduced with Med 1 at Station 7, Med 2 at Station 6 and Med 3 at Station 11. There was a total of 19 paramedics, they first went into service November 16, 1978. Five ambulances were purchased but only 3 went into service, the departments EMS plan called for seven units, 5 frontline, 2 reserve. In 1980 Meds were added including: Med 4 at Station 13, Med 5 at Station 12, and Med 6 at Station 5 which combined with Engine 5. For 1980 there was a total of 14,964 EMS runs with a daily average of 40.8 runs, 24.8% of which were transports. Around this time Fire Station 15 was closed, the maintenance facility moved here shortly after and expanded the building. In 1981, city council loved the idea of combining an engine company with a med company, meaning that when one was out the other was out of service until personnel could return to quarters. Two more medics were purchased for $75,000 each. This concept was experimented with at Fire Station 5 and it was a tremendous success. This saved the city from replacing 19 retiring firefighters. A large fire occurred at 2324 Manchester Road at the Akron Baptist Temple, arson was suspected. Mayor Roy Ray introduced a hazmat at this time, no truck was used, only a training course was introduced at this time. In April of 1983, Engine 15 reopened at a garage at the Botzum Water Pollution Control Station, it was a combo company for the Merriman Valley. In 1984, Akron began the quest to hire women in the fire service women recruited between August 15-22 of that year. In July of that year the city had 3,041 applicants to fill 40 positions, the increase was due to race and sex discrimination being put to bed. In September of 1985, Fire Station 5 opened at 2460 East Market Street, resulting in the closure of Fire Station 11 at 73 Massillon Road. Two women were hired that year, Brenda Chapman and Joyce Elliott. In 1985 the Summit County Special Ops Team was formed and hazmat operations began in the AFD. In 1987 EMS training became a requirement for all firefighters. Fire Chief Jim Harris retired in 1988, Chief George Romanoski succeeded him. In 1988 radios finally became widely used throughout the AFD and all of the channels were introduced. In 1990 Akron Station 7 became the home of the Technical Rescue Operations Team, 4 remained as the hazmat station and 10 became the dive station, 11 became the swift water rescue station later on and 8 the decon station. In 1992 the AFD acquired their fire safety house allowing them to teach kids not to burn. In 1993 the fire and police communications were being combined under a CAD system from a new dispatch center at 217 South High Street placed in service in 1995. Around this time the Safety Officer introduced the Fit for Fire program which required firefighters to participate in routine fitness. Battalions were formed in 1994. Fire Station 1 was closed in the fall of 1994 when all of the offices were relocated to the City Center at 146 South High Street, Engine 1 would move to Fire Station 4 and would be quickly disbanded, then Medic 1 would move to Fire Station 14 resulting in the stations expansion and the meds redesignation. 
=== 1995 - Present: The Present Day ===
Fire Station 15 was once again disbanded in May of 1996 when Fire Station 11 opened in the Merriman Valley, Akron, Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls share the responsibility for EMS in this area. In the late 90s the department established the Tactical EMS program which added 12 specially trained paramedics for serious situations like shootings. The department later established the Quick Response Team which goes around helping victims of opioid addiction each week. Both Fire Stations 2 and 4 were replaced in 2019. In 2021 the Alternate Response Vehicle was established which gives a quick response ambulance for less serious calls where a normal med isn’t needed. The AFD responded to a major fire at a former goodyear building in 2023. In August of 2023 Akron couldn’t agree on a price to renew its contract with AMR, resulting in the companies closure in Akron and Akrons non emergency transports bloating. In March of 2024 the AFD together with the APD and Summit County ADM Board all teamed together to form the SCOUT Team which responds to mental health crisis calls. Fire Station 12 was replaced in 2024.
===Fire Stations===
Station 	Address 	In Service 	Notes
Main Street Firehouse 	Main Street, Summit Lake or Downtown 	1866 - 1876 	Demolished.
Geo. Viall's Warehouse 	Middlebury 	1872 - 1884 	Demolished.
Engine 1/Ladder 1 	High Street and Church Street 	1876 - 1881 	Demolished.
Fire Alarm Headquarters	High Street and Church Street 	1881 - 1900 	Building destroyed in 1900 riot.
Engine 1/Ladder 1 	South High Street and Bowery Street 	1881 - 1900 	Demolished.
Engine 2 	East Market Street and East Exchange Street	1884 - 1894 	Demolished.
Engine 3 	60 S Maple Street 	1886 - 1901 	Demolished.
Engine 4 	South Main Street and Farr Street 	1886 - 1932 	Demolished.
Engine 2 	East Market Street and East Exchange Street	1894 - 1944 	Two story brick building similar to the original station 3, demolished.
Fire Alarm Headquarters	146 South High Street 	1900 - 1968 	Demolished.
Engine 1/Ladder 1 	South High Street and Church Street 	1900 - 1914 	Demolished.
Engine 3 	60 S Maple Street 	1901 - 1951 	Became a bar.
Engine 6 	470 Wooster Avenue 	1901 - 1974 	Demolished.
Engine 5/Ladder 2 	Buchtel Avenue and Union Street 	1903 - 1938 	Demolished.
Engine 7 	North Howard Street and Tallmadge Avenue 	February 1903 - 1906 	Demolished.
1 	57 South Broadway Street 	1914 - 1994 	Now the Akron Bar Association.
7 	15 West Cuyahoga Falls Avenue 	1906 - 1978 	Demolished.
8 	78 East Miller Avenue 	1909 - 9 AM, January 1, 1965 	Demolished.
10 	1315 Kenmore Bouelvard 	1929 - 1980 	Former Kenmore VFD Station, demolished.
4 	801 Coburn Street 	1932 - 1974 	Demolished.
11 	73 Massilon Road 	March 1, 1934 - September 1985 	Became a clinic.
5 	Buchtel Avenue and Union Street 	1938 - September 1985 	Demolished.
Training Center 	470 Wooster Avenue 	1942 - 1952 	Demolished.
Radio Pickup Station 	Wooster Avenue 	1942 - 1988 	Demolished.
2 	952 East Exchange Street 	1944-2019 	Building razed and rebuilt on site.
Training Center 	73 Massilon Road 	1952 - November 14, 1956 	Demolished.
Training Center 	766 Brittain Road 	November 14, 1956 - 2009 	Located next to Fire Station 14, demolished.
15 	2475 Triplett Boulevard 	November 15, 1963 - 1965,1967 - 1979	Became department maintenance shop.
Fire Alarm Headquarters	166 South High Street 	1968 - 1995 	Demolished.
15 	2460 Akron Peninsula Road 	April 1983 - May 1996 	Still standing.
4 	25 East Thornton Street 	1974 - 2019 	Replaced by new Station 4. Property sold, building razed.
Engine 1 	25 East Thornton Street 	1994 - 1996 	Demolished.
Medic 1 	766 Brittain Road 	1994 - 1994 	Re-designated Medic 14.
Battalion 1 	57 South Broadway Street 	1994 - 1994 	Moved to Station 2.
Battalion 1 	952 East Exchange Street 	1994 - 2000 	Became Battalion 2.
Battalion 8 	1277 East Archwood Avenue 	1994 - 2012 	Became a part of Battalion 2.
==Apparatus Roster==
All pump/tank measurements are in US gallons.
=== Battalion 2 ===
==== Dispatch Center - 217 South High Street, 4th Floor ====
Built 1963/Opened 1995
==== Fire Station 2 (Middlebury/Arlington) - 952 East Exchange Street ====
Built 2019
*Engine 2 - 2022 Pierce Saber FR6010 (2000/500) (SN#36582)
*Medic 2 - 2019 Ford E-450 / McCoy Miller remount
*Medic 22 - 2024 Ford E-450 / Medix MSV II Type III (SN#22-M430)
*Battalion 2 - 2018 Ford Expedition 4x4
*Fire Safety House - 1992
==== Fire Station 3 (Downtown/West Hill/Cascade Valley/Elizabeth Park Valley) - 59 South Maple Street ====
Built 1951
*Engine 3 - 2003 Pierce Lance 2000 / 2019 Pierce rehab pumper (SN#14097-02)
*Medic 3 - 2019 Ford E-450 / Taylor Made
*Tactical Emergency Medical Service - 2009 Ford E-450 / McCoy Miller (Ex-Medic 9)
*Alternate Response Vehicle - 2019 Ford Transit / Medix Type II It is unclear where the ARV is stationed. Per the fire department's annual report, "...This (Alternate Response Vehicle) response model strives to keep more EMS units available to respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies, while the ARV unit manages lower acuity calls." The ARV operates Monday-Friday only.
==== Fire Station 5 (Ellet) - 2460 East Market Street ====
Built September 1985
*Tower 5 - 2017 Pierce Velocity (2000/?/75' rear-mount ladder) (SN#30530)
*Medic 5 - 2021 Ford E-450 / McCoy Miller
*Foam Truck 5 - 1996 GMC TopKick C7500 / Pierce (SN#F3500)
==== Fire Station 7 “Easy Company” (Chapel Hill/North Hill/Forest Hill) - 541 East Tallmadge Avenue ====
Built 1978
*Engine 7 - 2023 Pierce Saber FR6010 (2000/500) (SN#38330)
*Ladder 7 - 2019 Pierce Velocity 6000 (-/-/75' rear-mount) (SN#33362)
*Medic 7 - 2022 Ford E-450 / Wheeled Coach
*Technical Rescue Operations Team - 1992 Chevrolet Kodiak C5500 / McCoy Miller walk-in
*Technical Rescue Trailer - 2006 United
*Technical Rescue Gator - 2004 John Deere Gator towing 2004 Triton trailer
==== Fire Station 8 (East Akron/Ellet/Thomastown) - 1277 East Archwood Avenue ====
Built 1965
*Engine 8 - 2009 Pierce Velocity (2000/750) (SN#22062)
*Ladder 8 - 2022 Pierce Velocity (-/-/75' rear-mount) (SN#36598)
*Medic 8 - 2016 Chevrolet Express 4500 / McCoy Miller
*Decon 8/Summit Co. Special Ops 3846 - 2011 Kenworth
*Hazmat 2 - Trailer (Towed by Decon 8)
==== Fire Station 14 “Goodyear Gators” (Goodyear Heights) - 766 Brittain Road ====
Built 1955/Opened November 14, 1956
*Engine 14 - 2017 Pierce Saber (2000/500) (SN#30796) (Ex-Engine 12)
*Medic 14 - 2017 Chevrolet Express 4500 / McCoy Miller
====Maintenance Shop - 2475 Triplett Boulevard====
Built 1963, expanded 1980
*Maintenance Truck - Chevrolet
*Hydrant Maintenance 1 - Chevrolet Express
*Hydrant Maintenance 2 - 201? Ford F-550
*Hydrant Maintenance 3 - 2000 Chevrolet Express 3500
*Hydrant Maintenance 4 - Chevrolet Express
*Fire Maintenance 2 - Ford Transit van
*Fire Maintenance 3 - Ford F-450
*Spare Battalion - 2019 Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Battalion 9)
*Spare Battalion - 201? Ford Expedition
*Spare Battalion - 201? Ford Expedition
*Spare Medic - 2012 GMC Savana 4500 / Taylor Made ambulance (Ex-Medic 7) (Remounted on a Chevrolet Express 4500)
====Fire Training Center - 1309 Emmitt Road====
Built 2009
*Fire Training - 2019 Ford Explorer AWD
*Training Van 1 - Chevrolet Express
*Training Van 2 - Chevrolet Express
*Engine 612 (Spare) - 1991 Sutphen Monarch (Ex-Engine 12)
*Engine 618 (Spare) - 1990 Pierce Lance (SN#E6057-02)(Ex-Engine 8)
===Battalion 4===
====Fire Station 4 (Headquarters) (Downtown/University of Akron) "The Rock" - 81 West Thornton Street====
Built 2019 
*Engine 4 - 2022 Pierce Saber FR6010 (2000/500/100F) (SN#36583)
*Engine 301 - 2005 Freightliner M2 / E-One (1250/500/100F) (Donated in 2016 by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company)
*Ladder 4 - 2020 Pierce Arrow XT 5700 6x4 (2000/300/100' Ascendant mid-mount platform) (SN#33625)
*Truck 622 (Spare) - 1995 Pierce Lance (?/?/75' rear-mount ladder) (SN#E8989) (Ex-Ladder 8)
*Rescue 4 - 2018 Ford F-450 4x4 / Pierce walk-around (SN#32127)
*Hazmat 1/Truck 1 - 200? Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4x4
*Hazmat 4/Summit Co. Special Ops 3826 - 2012 Kenworth / Hackney walk-in
*Medic 4 - 2019 Ford E-450 / Wheeled Coach
*Bariatric Medic 4 - 199? Chevrolet Kodiak C5500 / McCoy Miller walk-in
*Battalion 4 - 2019 Ford Expedition 4x4
*Chief 4 - 2024 Ford Expedition
*Fire Investigation Unit 4 - 2023 Ford Transit 350
*SCOUT/MCU 1 - (Summit County Outreach Unit/Mobile Crisis Unit) 2023 Ford Expedition (Operated with Akron PD/Summit County ADM Board, used for mental health calls)
*Shift Commander - 2019 Ford Expedition 4x4
*Safety 1 - 2019 Ford Expedition
*Special Operations/DC1 - 2019 Ford Explorer AWD
*EMS Supervisor - 2019 Ford Explorer AWD
*REACH (Resources, Education, Advocacy for Community Health) - 2019 Ford Expedition 4x4
*Fire Prevention - 2019 Ford Explorer AWD
*Public Information Officer - 201? Ford Explorer AWD
*Spare Battalion - 201? Ford Expedition 4x4
==== Fire Station 6 (Sherbondy Hill/West Akron/Maple Valley) - 1685 South Hawkins Avenue====
Built 1974
*Engine 6 - 2011 Pierce Velocity (2000/1000) (SN#23797)
*Medic 6 - 2021 Ford E-450 / McCoy Miller
*Medic 62 - 2024 Ford E-450 / Medix MSV II Type III
*Air Resource Truck - 1995 Chevrolet Kodiak
====Fire Station 10 (Kenmore/Summit Lake) - 2225 4th Street SW ====
Built 1980
*Tower 10 - 2014 Pierce Velocity (2000/400/75' rear-mount) (SN#27304)
*Medic 10 - 2024 Ford E-450 / Medix MSV II Type III (SN#22-M429)
*Dive Rescue Team - 1998 Chevrolet Kodiak
*2016 14' Lund boat
*2018 14’ Zodiac MKZ boat
*2005 Car Mate trailer
====Fire Station 13 (Firestone Park/Coventry Crossing/South Akron) - 1544 Brown Street====
Built 1953/Opened 1954
*Engine 13 - 2007 Pierce Lance 2000 (2000/750) (SN#18899) (Ex-Engine 10)
*Medic 13 - 2021 Ford E-450 / McCoy Miller
*Spare Medic - 2013 GMC Savana 4500 / Taylor Made (Ex-Medic 13)
===Battalion 9 ===
==== Fire Station 9 (Highland Square/West Akron) - 98 Dodge Avenue====
Built 1921, opened October 21, 1921
*Engine 9 - 2008 Pierce Velocity (2000/750) (SN#20947)
*Ladder 9 - 2023 Pierce Velocity (-/-/75' rear-mount) (SN#38329)
*Medic 9 - 2017 Chevrolet Express 4500 / McCoy Miller
*Battalion 9 - 2023 Ford Expedition 4x4
====Fire Station 11 (Merriman Valley/Merriman Hills/High Hampton) - 1688 Akron Peninsula Road====
Built May 1996
*Engine 11 - 2016 Freightliner M2 / Sutphen (1500/500)
*Medic 11 - 2014 Chevrolet Express 4500 / McCoy Miller
*Swift Water Rescue - 2006 Ford F-550 towing Swift Water Rescue trailer
====Fire Station 12 (Wallhaven/Fairlawn Heights/Northwest Akron/Maple Valley/West Akron) - 1852 West Market Street====
Built 1951
*Engine 12 - 2016 Freightliner M2 106 / Pierce (SN#30190)
*Medic 12 - 2014 GMC Savana 4500 / Taylor Made
==== New Fire Station 12 - 112 South Hawkins Avenue ====
Under construction. Ground broken May 16, 2023.
===Station Unknown===
*Engine 601 (Spare) - 1991 Sutphen pumper (1500/500) (Ex-Engine 13, ex-Engine 1)
*Engine 607 (Spare) - 1993 Sutphen Monarch (2000/750) (Ex-Engine 7)
*Engine 609 (Spare) - 1991 Pierce Lance (SN#E6057-03) (Ex-Engine 9)
*Engine 620 (Spare) - 1991 Pierce Lance (SN#E6057-01) (Ex-Engine 10)
*Truck 621 (Spare) - 1997 Pierce Lance (?/?/75' rear-mount ladder) (SN#EA601) (Ex-Ladder 7)
*Truck 623 (Spare) - 1996 Pierce Lance (?/?/75' rear-mount ladder) (SN#E9665) (Ex-Ladder 9)
*Engine 625 (Spare) - 2010 Pierce Velocity pumper (2000/750) (SN#23190) (Ex-Engine 7)
*Engine 626 (Spare) - 2004 Sutphen Monarch (2000/500) (Ex-Engine 4)
*Inspector 1 -
*Inspector 2 -
*Inspector 3 -
*Public Education Unit - Chevrolet Express 3500
*Staff Unit - 201? Ford Expedition
*Medic X1 - Golf cart
*Medic 42 - (Soon to be assigned as a result of AMR's closure.)
*Spare Medic - Ford E-450 (Ex-Medic 10)
*Spare Medic - Ford E-450 (Ex-Medic 8)
*Spare Medic - 2013 Ford E-450 (Ex-Medic 9)
*Spare Medic - 2012 Chevrolet Express 4500 (Ex-Medic 5)
*K-9 - 201? Ford Explorer
*2017 Ford Fusion
== Retired Apparatus ==
*201? Ford E-450 / Taylor Made ambulance (Ex-Medic 7) (2012 remount on a Chevrolet Express 4500)
*201? Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Battalion 2)
*201? Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Shift Commander)
*201? Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Battalion 4)
*201? Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Chief 4)
*201? Ford Expedition (Ex-Spare Battalion)
*201? Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Spare Battalion)
*2016 Chevrolet Express 4500 / McCoy Miller ambulance (Ex-Medic 10)
*2015 Freightliner / Sutphen pumper (1500/500) (Ex-Engine 14)
*2015 Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Fire Investigation Unit 4, ex-Battalion 4)
*2012 Chevrolet Express 4500 (Ex-Medic 5)
*2012 GMC Savana 4500 / Taylor Made ambulance (Ex-Medic 3)
*2011 GMC (Ex-Medic 2)
*2011 Chevrolet / McCoy Miller ambulance (Ex-Medic 4)
*2010 GMC Savana 4500 / Taylor Made ambulance (Ex-Spare Medic, Ex-Medic 13)
*2010 Ford Expedition 4x4
*200? Ford Expedition
*200? Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Spare Battalion, ex-Battalion 9)
*200? Ford Expedition 4x4 (Ex-Battalion 8)
*2009 Chevrolet Express 4500 / McCoy Miller ambulance (Ex-Spare Medic, ex-Medic 4)
*2009 Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Medic 8)
*2007 Pierce (75') (Ex-Ladder 9)
*2007 Pierce Lance 2000 aerial (?/?/75' rear-mount) (SN#18898)
*2007 Ford E-450 ambulance
*2006 Chevrolet Uplander
*2006 Chrysler Sebring
*2006 Chrysler Sebring
*2006 Ford E-450 ambulance
*2004 Ford E-450 ambulance
*2003 Pierce Lance 2000 (-/-/75' rear-mount) (SN#14141) (Ex-Ladder 9)
*2003 Pierce Lance 2000 / 2007 Pierce rehab pumper (SN#14097-01) (Ex-Engine 11)
*2003 Ford E-250 ambulance
*2003 Ford Expedition
*2002 Chevrolet Malibu
*2001 Chrysler Sebring
*2001 Chevrolet Lumina
*2001 Sutphen pumper (2000/750) (Ex-Engine 2) (Wrecked)
*2001 Sutphen aerial (2000/300/100' mid-mount ladder) (Ex-Ladder 4)
* 2000 Ford E-350 ambulance
* 199? Pierce Lance (?/?/75' rear-mount ladder) (Ex-Truck 635 (Spare))
*199? Ford E-450 ambulance (Sold to City Services and used as a communications truck)
*199? Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Spare Medic)
*199? Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Spare Medic)
*199? Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Spare Medic)
*199? Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Medic 12)
*199? Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Medic 4)
*199? Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Spare Medic, ex-Medic 3)
*199? Ford E-450 ambulance (Ex-Medic 2)
*199? Sutphen aerial (-/-/100') (Ex-4, ex-Ladder 1)
*Chevrolet Kodiak C5500 / McCoy Miller ambulance (Ex-Spare Medic)
*Chevrolet Kodiak C5500 / McCoy Miller ambulance (Ex-Spare Medic)
*Golf Cart (Ex-Medic X1)
*Golf cart (Ex-Medic X1)
*1998 Ford E-450 (Ex-Tactical EMS)
*1995 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
*1993 EVCO hazmat rescue
*1993 Pierce Dash pumper (SN#E7695) (2019 Pierce rehab) (Ex-Engine 614, ex-Engine 4, ex-Engine 3)
*1993 Pemfab rescue (Ex-Hazmat/Rescue 4)
*1991 Pierce pumper (1500/?) (Ex-Engine 8)
*1991 Sutphen aerial (?/?/75' ladder) (Ex-Tower 14, ex-Engine 4)
*1991 Sutphen aerial (?/?/75' ladder) (Ex-Ladder 7, ex-Tower 6, ex-Ladder 8)
*1991 Sutphen aerial (?/?/75' ladder) (Ex-Tower 5, ex-Ladder 9)
*1991 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 11, ex-Engine 6)
*1991 Sutphen pumper (1500/500) (Ex-Engine 7) (Sold to Milton Township Volunteer Fire Department (Ohio))
*1991 Sutphen pumper (1500/500) (Ex-Engine 12) (Sold to Milton Township Volunteer Fire Department (Ohio))
*1991 Sutphen aerial (?/?/75') (Ex-Engine 4)
*1989 Sutphen aerial (1500/500/75' mid-mount ladder) (Ex-Ladder 10, ex-Ladder 7)
*1989 Sutphen aerial (1500/500/75' mid-mount ladder) (Ex-Truck 603, ex-Tower 3, ex-Engine 3)
*1988 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 14)
*1987 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 613, ex-Engine 2)
*1987 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 13)
*1985 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 625, ex-Engine 5)
*1983 Sutphen (Ex-Engine 4)
*1983 Sutphen aerial (-/-/95') (Ex-Ladder 1)
*1982 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 10) (Last yellow and white rig)
*1981 Medic (Ex-Medic 8)
*1981 Medic (Ex-Medic 7)
*1981 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 8)
*1980 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 9)
*1980 Myers 14' w/ 1984 B&M trailer (Ex-Fireboat)
*1980 Medic (Ex-Medic 6)
*1980 Medic (Ex-Medic 5)
*1980 Medic (Ex-Medic 4)
*1979 Sutphen pumper (Ex-Engine 3)
*1978 Medic
*1978 Medic
*1978 Medic (Ex-Med 3)
*1978 Medic (Ex-Med 2)
*1978 Medic (Ex-Med 1)
*1977 GMC / E-One walk-around rescue (Ex-Squad 4)
*1977 GMC / E-One walk-around rescue (Ex-Squad 2)
*1977 GMC / E-One walk-around rescue (Ex-Squad 1)
*1977/1988 Sutphen / Pirsch aerial (?/?/85') (Ex-Ladder 8, ex-Ladder 8, ex-Truck 5, ex-Truck 6)
*1977 Ward LaFrance / 1987 Sutphen rebuild pumper (Ex-Engine 7, ex-Engine 7)
*1976/1986 Sutphen / Pirsch aerial (?/?/85') (Ex-9, ex-Truck 3)
*1975/198? Pirsch aerial (?/?/85') (Ex-Truck 10, ex-Truck 10, ex-Truck 4)
*1975 Ward LaFrance / 1985 Sutphen rebuild pumper (Ex-Engine 628, ex-Engine 12)
*1975 Ward LaFrance pumper (1250/500) (Ex-Engine 6)
*1975 Ward LaFrance / 1985 Sutphen rebuild pumper (1250/500) (Ex-Engine 1, ex-Engine 1)
*1975 Ward LaFrance pumper (Ex-Engine 4) (Totaled in 1981)
*1973 Sutphen pumper (1250/350) (Ex-Engine 13, ex-Engine 3)
*1972/1986 Pirsch / Duplex aerial (?/?/85') (Ex-Ladder 7, ex-Truck 2) (Last solid red rig)
*1972 Ward LaFrance pumper (Ex-Engine 2) (First yellow over white rig)
*1971 Ward LaFrance aerial (-/-/?' Hi-Ranger platform) (Ex-Truck 4, ex-Truck 1, ex-Snorkel 1)
*1970 Ford / Ward LaFrance pumper (Ex-Engine 15, ex-Engine 5)
*197? Ford ambulance (Ex-Medic 13)
*1969 Ford / Ward LaFrance pumper (Ex-Engine 14, ex-Engine 13)
*1969 Ford / Ward LaFrance pumper (Ex-Engine 11)
*1965 GMC / Pirsch pumper (1000/150) (Ex-Engine 10, ex-Engine 1) "Pop Truck"
*1964 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 8, ex-Engine 15)
*1962 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 9)
*1961 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 7) (Later painted yellow)
*1959 Pirsch aerial (?/?/85') (Ex-Truck 4)
*1958 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Spare Engine, ex-Engine 2)
*1958 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 5)
*1957 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 10)
*1957 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 4, ex-Engine 8)
*1957 Pirsch aerial (?/?/65') (Ex-Truck 3)
*1956 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 12, ex-Engine 1)
*1956 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 6)
*1956 Ward LaFrance pumper (Ex-Engine 14)
*1955 Duplex / Howe pumper (Ex-Engine 11)
*1955 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 3)
*1954 Pirsch aerial (Ex-Truck 1)
*1954 Pirsch pumper (Ex-Engine 13)
*1952 Seagrave aerial (?/?/65') (Ex-Truck 2)
*1952 Seagrave aerial (?/?/65') (Ex-Truck 5)
*1949 Seagrave pumper (Ex-Engine 12)
*1942 General Fire Truck Company pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 11)
*1942 General Fire Truck Company pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 10)
*1942 General Fire Truck Company pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 8)
*1942 General Fire Truck Company pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 3)
*192? Chiefs Car (Ex-Chief Car)
*192? Ford (Ex-Assistant Chief)
*192? White Hose Wagon (Ex-Hose 1)
*192? Ahrens-Fox pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 1)
*192? Ladder (?/?/85') (Ex-Ladder 1)
*192? Ahrens-Fox pumper (1000/?) (Ex-Engine 3)
*192? Triple combination pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 4)
*192? Ahrens-Fox Hook and Ladder (Ex-Truck 3)
*192? White Hose Wagon (Ex-Hose 2)
*192? Ahrens-Fox pumper (1000/?) (Ex-Engine 5)
*192? Seagrave ladder (Ex-Truck 2)
*192? White Triple Combination pumper (Ex-Engine 6)
*192? Ahrens-Fox pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 8)
*192? Ahrens-Fox pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 9)
*192? White Triple Combination pumper (Ex-Engine 10)
*1929 Seagrave pumper (1000/?) (Ex-Engine 2, ex-Kenmore Volunteer Fire Department (Ohio))
*1929 White Triple Combination Pumper (600/0) (Ex-Engine 10)
*1926 Ahrens-Fox pumper (750/?) (Ex-Engine 7)
*1920 Ahrens-Fox pumper (Ex-Engine 11, ex-Engine ?)
*191? Triple Combination Pumper (Ex-Engine 2)
*191? Triple Combination Pumper (Ex-Engine 3)
*191? Triple Combination Pumper (Ex-Engine 4)
*191? Triple Combination Pumper (Ex-Engine 7)
*191? Triple Combination Pumper (Ex-Engine 8)
*191? Automobile Hose Wagon (Ex-Hose 1)
*191? Second Size Steam Engine (Ex-Engine 5)
*191? 65' Ladder Truck (Ex-Hook and Ladder 2)
*191? Boyd Automobile City Service Truck (Ex-Engine 6, ex-Akron City Service)(No pump)
*1919 White Triple Combination Automobile Apparatus (600/0) (Ex-Engine 8)
*1911 Olds Autocrat (Ex-Assistant Chief's Car)
*191? Ladder (Ex-Hook and Ladder 1)
*191? Pierce Arrow (Ex-Chiefs Car)
*190? Silsby engine (Ex-Engine 2) (Unsafe for use and retired)
*190? Chicago Fire Extinguisher Manufacturing Company Ladder (45'/70'/20'/10'/12'/10') (Ex-Ladder 2)
*1908 Steamer (Ex-Engine 8) (Involved in an accident with a streetcar and destroyed)
*1908 Seagrave ladder (65'/45'/33'/30'/24'/20'/18'/14'/12') (Ex-Ladder 1)
*1903 FD built Combination Hose Wagon (?/70 chem/18') (Ex-Engine 7)
*1903 Manning Steam Fire Engine (800/0) (Ex-Engine 5)
*1903 Combination Hose Carriage (Ex-Hose 5)
*1901 Seagrave Combination truck (?/40 Chem/117') (Ex-Engine 6)
*1901 Metropolitan Steamer (800/0) (Ex-Engine 1)
*190? Ladder horse-drawn tiller (Ex-Truck 1)
*190? Buggy (Ex-Mechanical Engineer)
*190? Buggy (Ex-Assistant Chief)
*190? Car (Ex-Chief)
*190? Exercise Wagon
*190? Exercise Wagon
*190? Exercise Wagon
*190? Exercise Wagon
*190? Exercise Wagon
*190? Exercise Wagon
*190? Exercise Wagon
*190? Supply Wagon
*190? Horse Carriage
*190? Horse Carriage
*190? Service Truck
*1895 Manning Steam Fire Engine (600/0) (Ex-Engine 3)
*1895 Combination Hose Carriage (Ex-Hose 3)
*1891 Third-Size Silsby Steam Fire Engine (600/0) (Ex-Reserve Engine)
*188? Hand Hose Carriage
*188? Hand Hose Carriage
*188? Fire Police Wagon
*1886/1903 Ahrens Steam Fire Engine (800/0) (Ex-Engine 4)
*1886 Combination Hose Wagon (Ex-Hose 4)
*1886 Button Steam Fire Engine (600/0) (Ex-Engine 2, ex-Reserve Engine, ex-Engine 1)
*1868 Steamer (Ex-Engine 1)
==Notes==
==External Links==
*Akron Fire Department
*Akron Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local 330)
==Source==
*The Fire Department of Akron, Ohio, 1830-1994 by Joe Denholm.
==Station Map==
Category:Summit County, Ohio
Category:Ohio departments operating E-One apparatus
Category:Ohio departments operating Hackney apparatus
Category:Ohio departments operating Pierce apparatus
Category:Ohio departments operating Sutphen apparatus
Category:Former operators of Ahrens-Fox apparatus
Category:Former operators of Howe apparatus
Category:Former operators of Pirsch apparatus
Category:Former operators of Seagrave apparatus
Category:Former operators of Ward LaFrance apparatus