Paulding County Commissioner Tony Zartman, Jared Page, and EMA Director Ed Bohn.
The brand new Paulding County first responders facility was dedicated on Saturday, October 20 on location! The event started with Sheriff Jason Landers as the Master of Ceremonies, welcoming everyone to the event. He presented Shaun Matako for the opening prayer, followed by Dan Wilder singing the National Anthem. The Paulding Boy Scouts raised the flags after they were given from Rep Bob Latta, and Rep Craig Riedel.
Paulding County Commissioner, Tony Zartman, thanked all of the first responders for their hardworking and dedication. He explained that when Ed Bohn was hired he had this grand vision for a training facility that would be right here in the county. Ed also knew that funding could be available by the state to help make this possible.
Bob Herber, Chief of the Craine Township Fire Department, spoke next of the committee that was put together after Ed Bohn had asked him. He added men from all over the county to be on this committee. This committee visited training centers all over the region to see what they liked and what would be the best additions to this new facility.
The last speaker for the afternoon was Ed Bohn, Paulding County EMA Director, who explained in some detail how funding was obtained for this new facility. Over 4000 applications were submitted for funding and Paulding County was the only EMA that received funding in Ohio. He thanked Ohio for granting the funds for the facility.
Ed said this was only the first phase that is completed and the second phase has been started. Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative will be the first non-government group to use the facility for training. They will be installing a power line training setup that will help their people for training and first responders on how to handle downed lines.
The next phase also includes a farm grain rescue simulator that is being funded by the Paulding County Area Foundation.
After the ceremony, training was taking place on vehicles, a tanker and the 3 story structure by all different area departments.
The facility is available for groups in and outside of the county for the best quality training in the area!
Great job to all of those involved who made this possible. It really will be a blessing to those in our communities.
