Bath Township Fire Department Announces Swearing-In Ceremony for Newly Promoted Platoon Chief

The Bath Township Fire Department is proud to announce the swearing-in ceremony for newly promoted Platoon Chief Ethan Hull, to be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the Bath Township Fire Station, located at 1787 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45801.

Platoon Chief Hull is a graduate of Ada High School, Apollo Career Center, and Rhodes State College, and most recently completed Fire Officer training at the Bowling Green State University Fire School. He holds certifications as a Firefighter Level II, Paramedic, and Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Technician. 

The ceremony will be attended by local elected officials, community leaders, and members of Platoon Chief Hull’s family as the department recognizes his promotion and continued commitment to public service.

Contact: Joseph L. Kitchen, Bath Twp. Fire Chief, 419-221-0550

Bath Township Fire Department Announces Swearing-In Ceremony for Newly Promoted Platoon Chief 

 

Bath Township Fire Department Held Swearing-In and Awards Ceremony

The Bath Township Fire Department is proud to announce a recent swearing-in and awards ceremony to welcome a new group of four firefighters and recognize several members with both years of service and commendation awards. The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at the Bath Township Fire Station, located at 1787 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45801.

The event marked an important milestone for our community, as we welcomed the next generation of firefighters who have committed their lives to serving and protecting the residents of Bath Township. These new recruits have undergone rigorous training and are now prepared to officially join the ranks of our fire department, upholding the values of courage, dedication, and service.

The ceremony was attended by local officials, community leaders, and the families of those being honored. It was an opportunity to celebrate the bravery and dedication of our firefighters, who play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of our township.

Sworn in:

Brandt McClain, Seth Thornburg, Ian Fosnaugh, and Dylan Hartman.

Years of Service Awards:

Brock Yingling (5 Years), Travis Fillhart (15 Years,) Brenda Meyer (20 Years,) Ken Meyer (30 Years,) and Joseph Kitchen (35 Years.)

Commendation Awards:

Firefighter of the Year: Ethan Hull, EMS Provider of the Year: Gavin Butler, Rookie of the Year: Gavin Butler, and Physical Fitness Award: Brayden Young.

Contact: Joseph L. Kitchen, Bath Twp. Fire Chief, 419-221-0550

Bath Township Fire Department Held Swearing-In and Awards Ceremony

Bath Township Fire Department Kicks Off 2025, Fire Prevention Week at Bath Local Schools 

 

October 7, 2025 

Bath Township Fire Department will kick off 2025, Fire Prevention Week at Bath Elementary School at 8:00 A.M. on Tuesday October 7, 2025. 

The fire department will meet with nearly 140 kindergarten students on Tuesday and continue to visit other grades throughout the week. 

Bath Township Fire Department firefighters will be distributing fire safety materials to students as well as teaching fire prevention lessons throughout the week. 

Chief Joseph Kitchen said, “Fire prevention and education is an important part of our mission. It is our hope that the youth will not only learn valuable fire safety lessons, but also take these messages home to share with their families.” 

Contact information: Joseph L. Kitchen, Fire Chief 419-221-0550 

 

Bath Township Fire  Department Fire Prevention Week

 

 

Bath Township Fire Hydrant Maintenance

 

Bath Township Fire Department personnel will be conducting spring fire hydrant maintenance and flushing on all township hydrants beginning Thursday, June 12, 2025. The testing will last about four weeks.

Residents may notice discoloration of water when the flushing takes place in their neighborhood. If you experience a discoloration of water, turn on your plumbing fixtures until the water runs clear. It is best to run an outdoor fixture, or a cold-water tap in a laundry tub or bathtub first until the water runs clear and then run water from other fixtures.

The fire department realizes that hydrant flushing may cause some inconvenience, however, the flushing program is necessary to maintain a good water supply for firefighting and to ensure that the hydrants are in good working order. The community’s cooperation with the annual fire hydrant flushing program is appreciated.

 

Contact information:

Contact person: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief: 419-221-0550 

Gary Jay, Road Supervisor: 419-221-1797

 

 Bath Township Fire Hydrant Maintenance 

 

 

Bath Township Fire Department to Hold Swearing-In and Promotion Ceremony

 

The Bath Township Fire Department is proud to announce a special swearing-in ceremony to welcome a new group of four firefighters and recognize the promotion of one dedicated firefighter to the position of Platoon Chief. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at the Bath Township Fire Station, located at 1787 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45801.

This event marks an important milestone for our community, as we welcome the next generation of firefighters who have committed their lives to serving and protecting the residents of Bath Township. These new recruits have undergone rigorous training and are now prepared to officially join the ranks of our fire department, upholding the values of courage, dedication, and service.

In addition to the swearing-in of new firefighters, the ceremony will also feature the promotion of Firefighter/Paramedic Curt Yetman to the position of Platoon Chief. This promotion is a testament to his hard work, leadership, and commitment to the safety of our community.

The ceremony will be attended by local officials, community leaders, and the families of those being honored. It is an opportunity to celebrate the bravery and dedication of our firefighters, who play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of our township.

We invite members of the media and the public to join us for this momentous occasion as we recognize the outstanding service of our firefighters and welcome the newest members of our team.

 

Scheduled to be sworn in:

• Curt Yetman, Platoon Chief
• Charles Henderson – Wildermuth, FF/Paramedic
• Tyler Dillon, Firefighter
• Trenton Jorgensen, Firefighter
• Andrew Sheidler, Firefighter

Contact person: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief: 419-221-0550 

 

Swearing-In and Promotion Ceremony

 

 

 Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Mobile Home Fire 

 

Bath Township Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 report of a mobile home on fire at 1503 Findlay Road, Lot #5, Lima, Ohio, in Bath Township at 8:25 A.M. 

Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from the center of the trailer. 

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in approximately ten minutes. No fire department personnel were injured. 

Lima Fire Department assisted at the scene of the fire. 

At this time, the cause of the fire is undetermined and remains under investigation. The incident is being treated as suspicious, and anyone with information related to the fire is urged to contact Lima/Allen County Crimestoppers at 419-229-STOP (7867). 

Firefighters were on the scene for about two hours. 

Contact person: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief: 419-221-0550 

 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Mobile Home Fire 

 

 

 Bath Township Fire Department Responds to House Fire 

 

The Bath Township Fire Department responded to 2263 Harding Highway after receiving a 911 call for a house on fire at 4:28 A.M. on January 21, 2025. 

Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the second story of the residence and were able to extinguish the fire within approximately twenty minutes. 

The house is owned by Brittany Bohn and her family who were home at the time of the fire. All occupants escaped with no injuries. 

Fire officials estimate the damage to be approximately $30,000 to the house and an additional $30,000 to the contents which sustained heat, smoke, and water damage. According to the owner, the property is insured. 

The fire was ruled accidental and appears that the origin was in the wood burning fireplace area. 

Additional fire apparatus and personnel responded to the scene from American Township Fire Department and the Lima Fire Department. Perry Township EMS was also on scene. 

There were no injuries to firefighters. 

Contact person: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief: 419-221-0550 

 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to House Fire 

 

 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Bedroom Fire 

 

The Bath Township Fire Department responded to 5250 Reservoir Road after receiving a 911 call for a house on fire at 12:16 P.M. on December 7, 2024. 

Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the rear bedroom and were able to extinguish the fire within approximately ten minutes. 

The residence is owned by Michael Fledderjohann and his family who were home at the time of the fire. All occupants escaped without injuries. 

Fire officials estimate the damage to be approximately $10,000 to the house and an additional $10,000 to the contents. The home suffered heat, smoke, and water damage. According to the owner, the property is insured. 

The fire was ruled accidental, and appears that the origin was in the bedroom area. Investigators believe the cause to be electrical in nature. 

There were no injuries to firefighters. 

 

 Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Bedroom Fire 

 

 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to House Fire 

 

The Bath Township Fire Department responded to 3025 North Cool Road after receiving a 911 call for a house on fire at 1:48 P.M. on December 5, 2024. 

Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames coming from the eaves on all four sides of the structure. Firefighters were able to make their way into the structure to extinguish the fire however, shortly thereafter, the roof began to collapse. 

Fire officials estimate the damage to be approximately $250,000 to the house and an additional $75,000 to the contents. According to the owner, the property is insured. 

This house is located in a non-hydrant area of Bath Township, and a rural water/tanker shuttle had to be established with mutual aid departments from around the county. 

High winds and cold temperatures hindered extinguishment progress. 

The occupant of the structure was home at the time and was able to escape after being notified by his neighbor that his house was on fire. There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters. 

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined; however, it is not suspicious. 

Additional apparatus and personnel responded to the scene from American Township Fire Department, Lima Fire Department, Perry Township Fire Department, Harrod Fire Department, Westminster Rural Fire Department, Cairo-Monroe Fire Department, Beaverdam-Richland Township Fire Department, and Lafayette-Jackson Township Fire Department. 

Contact person: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief: 419-221-0550 

 

 Bath Township Fire Department Responds to House Fire 

 

 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Attic Fire 

The Bath Township Fire Department responded to 3323 Shearin Avenue after receiving a 911 call for a house on fire at 9:57 P.M. on October 22, 2024. 

Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the attic and were able to extinguish the fire within approximately thirty minutes. 

The residence is owned by Steven Spees and his family who were home at the time of the fire. Two occupants escaped with minor injuries and were treated and released at the scene by Bath Township EMS. 

Fire officials estimate the damage to be approximately $30,000 to the house and an additional $20,000 to the contents. According to the owner, the property is insured. 

The fire was ruled accidental and appears that the origin was in the attic area. Investigators believe the cause to be electrical in nature. 

Additional apparatus and personnel responded to the scene from American Township Fire Department and the Lima Fire Department. 

There were no injuries to firefighters. 

Contact person: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief: 419-221-0550 

 

 Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Attic Fire