FROM A GRATEFUL DEPARTMENT

Since so many Firefighters and Police Officers read this site regularly I would like to first thank Mr. Costigan for allowing me the opportunity to utilize his site to say thank you.

In the early morning hours of July 3rd, the City of Elyria experienced probably its largest fire emergency ever. The initial concerns of exposures and just the sheer magnitude of the fire gave the initial Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Tim Mitchell and I upon arrival, a huge challenge.

The only way that this fire was mitigated successfully was due to the teamwork of all the departments that responded. I do not want to miss anyone or any department so upon my return to work Monday I will be sending out letters thanking each department. I would right now however like to publicly thank the following individuals:

Chief Jeff Young, Sheffield Village Fire: Chief Young’s quick arrival and his aerial’s rapid set up definitely saved two local companies located on the North Side of the tracks.

Lorain FD Pumper # 3, I don’t know your names yet Brothers but your work definitely saved the occupancy directly across the tracks, your crew worked singularly for many hours.

Chief Bob Walker Wellington Fire District: Upon my arrival I knew I needed help and experienced help in setting up sectors and ensuring the firefighters safety. There was one person who immediately came to mind, Chief Walker. Chief Walker acted as the South Side of the building’s safety officer and his sage advice both during and after the incident has been much appreciated. I can’t say thanks enough.

Chief Frank Root Avon Fire: Chief Root set up Shuttle operations and got us the water we needed in protecting the exposures and keeping the huge fire brands down to a minimum.

Chief Phil Slack Eaton Twp. and Assistant Chief Wayne Simms Carlisle Twp: For their assistance in the shuttle operations, one thing for sure we are not used to in Elyria is moving water and you guys certainly kept that water shuttle moving.

Chief Mike Conrad Sheffield Lake: Chief Conrad responded to our Cedar Street Station and was the City’s on-duty command officer running calls for the rest of the City. This fire damn near depleted our command staff and Chief Conrad’s response was much appreciated.

I would also like to thank Mr. Tom Kelley and the County EMA, Tom’s response with the “Green Machine” helped us organize radio frequencies and gave me a place to “clear my head” and think. Tom, THANK YOU!!!!

And finally, THANKS to all the Elyria Firefighters who responded, as you know, I have been around this department my whole life and have seen many emergencies; none though have made me more proud to be associated with this Department. Thank You for making this incident run so smoothly.

Chief Joseph Pronesti
Elyria Fire Department

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