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How to vote in 2024

By
Paula Wethington
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Lucas Zielinksi, with Turning Point USA, hands Amelia Mathkour, a music, business and tech major at Owens Community College, a pamphlet about voting registration. Zielinksi said he was on campus for the day to help students register to vote. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Lucas County Board of Elections explains voting details, process

Toledo – With Election Day a month away, preparations are in full swing at the Lucas County Board of Elections office.

“We’re up and running and getting everything ready,” said Timothy Monaco, deputy director of the elections office. “It’s a wonderful time. It’s important to exercise your right to vote.”

Logistics that the staff and officers have been handling for weeks on behalf of Lucas County’s 303 voting precincts include preparing ballots, training precinct election officials, and getting early voting dates and times posted on their website.

Monaco said the most commonly asked question from voters during the past couple of weeks has been when absentee ballots will arrive in the mail. 

Here’s the answer: Ohio voters can look for the absentee ballots starting Oct. 8, which is one day after registration ends for the Nov. 5 election.

The Lucas County Board of Elections staff doesn’t give predictions on voter turnout, Monaco said. But, according to state election records, 67 percent of registered Lucas County voters participated in the 2020 presidential election, and 66 percent did so in the 2016 presidential election. This participation includes absentee voting, early in-person voting and traditional Election Day voting.

Those choices are meant to help all eligible voters participate, whether they prefer going in person to a local polling site or to cast a ballot before they travel out of town.

“It’s important to make your plan as to who you are going to vote for,” Monaco said. “Make sure you make a plan and know what is on your ballot.”

While the presidential campaign is the key race of the Nov. 5 election, there are also races in Lucas County for local judges and city officials. For those who want to see the list ahead of time, ballot proofs are available for review on the election board’s website.

“Ballots will be three pages for everyone and four pages for some,” Monaco said.

While some people remember how they wish to vote when going to the polls, others find it helpful to bring paper notes or refer to a list on their phone, Monaco said. “Some folks really come prepared,” he said.

“It’s also important to be respectful at the location,” he added, referring to an Ohio law that prohibits photos of marked ballots. “We do ask that you limit cell phone use at the ballot.”

Many other election details are explained at lucascountyohiovotes.gov.

Election calendar

Key dates for the November 5 election:

  • Military and overseas civilian voting: Started Sept. 20.
  • Voter registration deadline: 9 p.m. Oct. 7.
  • Early in-person voting season: Oct. 8.-Nov. 3.
  • Absentee ballot postmark deadline: Nov. 4.
  • Election Day: Nov. 5.

CAMPUS TALK

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS SOUND OFF ABOUT VOTING

Question: How important is voting to you?

Oliver Odendahl
James Johnson
Nivant Dawson
Sydney Stanley
David Case III

Voting is not my main concern, but it is pretty important because it is the future of America and I would like to have a say in what is gonna be my future. I usually try to vote on voting day, if I can’t I’ll do the absentee ballot.

Oliver Odendahl | EMT Major | Tontogany Resident

I am not a registered voter. If I was to lie to you I’d say yes. But honestly, I don’t have enough time … it’s not really a main priority, even though it should be. I do plan on voting at some point, maybe when I’m in my adult phase. Even though I’m not a registered voter I do think voting is important because it basically determines the society and the rules and regulations we live by.

James Johnson | Broadcast Media Technology Major | Toledo Resident

I’d say voting is very important. There’s certain aspects of it that do feel sort of depressing, when you think about it, because a lot of people would say people voting normally wouldn’t matter because of a small majority in the Electoral College – their votes matter 100 times more than your own. That’s what it feels like at least from what I know. It does feel a little degrading knowing that’s going to happen.

Nivant Dawson | Business Major | Toledo Resident

I think voting is important, but I’m not exactly sure why it’s important. I mean, there’s a lot of things that come from it. You’re voting for someone that you’re putting your trust and you’re faith into to guide us all in the right direction, but we just all don’t know what that direction is yet. So, we’re just kind of free-balling it, in a way. So, I don’t know … I’ve never voted before but this will be interesting. I really don’t know what all is involved. I just have a lot to learn about voting – like what I should be looking for in the leader I’m going to be voting for. So, yeah, it’s coming up soon. There’s a lot to learn.

Sydney Stanley | Chemistry Major | Millbury Resident

Voting is very important, especially in this day and age, when everything’s going on.

David Chase III | Literature Major | Toledo Resident
Registration details

Ohio voters must be registered by 9 p.m. Oct. 7 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 election.

Residents can register to vote, look up voter registration, change their address, find an early voting location, look up Election Day polling location or track an absentee ballot at VoteOhio.gov.

Photo ID requirement

Bring your photo ID when voting. The options are:

- Current Ohio driver’s license or State of Ohio ID card.

- Interim ID form issued by Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.

- U.S. military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card.

A registered voter who has changed his or her name since the photo ID was issued will need to show proof of legal name change and sign a form. A photo ID card can show a former address if a current address is on file with the voting records. If you forget a photo ID, you can request a provisional ballot. 

How to vote absentee

An absentee ballot in Ohio needs to be requested, signed, dated and submitted for each election. Military personnel and civilian overseas voters can file one application for all elections happening in a given year.

The application asks for the number on your Ohio driver’s license or Ohio ID card, last four digits of your social security number, or a photocopy of other eligible ID such as a U.S. passport or military ID.

Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and can be hand delivered to the Board of Elections on Nov. 5.

Additional instructions are on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

In-person early voting

Ohio’s in-person early voting season begins Oct. 8 and ends Nov. 3. 

The Lucas County Early Vote Center is at 3737 W. Sylvania Ave. Suite 121 Entrance C (at the rear of the Lucas County Board of Elections building) in west Toledo.

Voting times and dates can be found at LucasCountyOhioVotes.gov.

Election Day voting

Polling sites are open in Ohio from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5. You can look up your polling location at VoteOhio.Gov.

What’s on the ballot?

A “ballot proof” is available for review on the Lucas County Board of Elections page. It lists candidates and ballot issues by precinct, so voters know what to expect.

For example: Six president/vice president candidate teams have declared in Ohio, with an additional write-in option available. Other candidate races include U.S. Senator, Lucas County Sheriff and openings on Toledo City Council.

Ohio Issue 1 is a proposed state constitutional amendment that has gained a lot of attention. This issue, if approved, would designate a redistricting commission to draw state legislative and congressional districts.

There are other issues locally, such as a proposed bond issue for the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and a tax renewal request from the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

Are ballot “selfies” allowed?

Ohio does not permit photos to be taken of a marked ballot. It’s actually a fifth-degree felony should that take place, according to Ohio law.

The “I Voted” Sticker

A traditionally popular way to showcase voter participation is through an “I voted” sticker, picked up on Election Day at the polling site.

Ohio’s current “I Voted” sticker design was adopted in 2019 through a student art contest. A red squiggle depicts a map of Ohio, nestled in a blue circle outline, with the phrase “Ohio Voted.”

Voters are invited to download the image to share on social media at the Ohio Secretary of State website. That website also has also a “future voter” coloring page for children available for download.

Is campaigning allowed at election sites?

Ohio does not allow election campaigning, also known as electioneering, within 100 feet of a voting site. This means no campaigning messages on attire such as shirts or hats, Monaco said.

Two small United States flags are placed at each voting site to designate the “neutral” zone where this applies. 

Where is the Board of Elections office?

If you need to visit the Lucas County Board of Elections regarding a voting matter, that office moved about two years ago from its former location at One Government Center to 3737 W. Sylvania Road in West Toledo.

When are election numbers official?

Ballots cast on Election Day will be delivered in person to the Lucas County Board of Elections for the counting procedures.

There will be numbers reported after that count is complete. 

The Ohio Secretary of State does not consider voter counts to be official until two or three weeks later, after provisional ballots are accounted for and to give time for absentee ballots to arrive that met the postmark deadline.

Money Matters: 3 steps to aid retirement transition

By
Nolan Baker
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0

As the year winds down and a new one begins, it’s easy to plan for transition here in Northwest Ohio. The leaves have fallen and everyone knows it is time to get ready for the next season. 

Similarly, it is often at the end or beginning of the year that many people choose to retire.  If you are wondering if you can retire and what the steps to success are, the process isn’t always easy as planning for the weather. 

Here are three simple steps to help guide the transition:    

Step 1.  Create a financial inventory. This will be helpful in gathering a clear picture of the current situation. This summary should include financial assets, debts and insurance coverages. Then identify the income sources. 

This would include social security, pension, annuity and any other work income if one spouse plans to continue to work. Clarify the income goals for retirement. Think in terms of minimum monthly income needs, plus discretionary spending on travel and hobbies, and then add 20 percent for unknown expenses.

Step 2.  Stress test the current plan. Using a tool called a Monte Carlo simulation will tell the possible outcomes of retirement success. This tool will be helpful to identify issues on why the plan could fail, such as a major market decline, higher taxes, or a long-term health care crisis.

If the outcome is 90 percent probability of success or higher, that is great news. If below 90 percent, to increase the probability of success, review how to make retirement dollars work harder, consider different retirement spending strategies, or look at ways to optimize income.   

Step 3.  Write down a summary of the observations. As someone who has guided hundreds of retirees, I often identify opportunities and threats when I go through steps one and two. To get organized and everything accomplished, create a written checklist of the items to work on. 

Break down those observations into tax strategies, estate planning, asset protection, and money management.  For example, if the plan is to retire before the age of 65, reviewing affordable healthcare should be put on the checklist. This is now the working blueprint on getting retirement ready. 

By following these three steps, you will have a foundation to get through retirement with relative ease. This clarity and checklist can help reduce the stress of retirement and turn it into the next exciting season of life. 

For more information about America’s Retirement Headquarters, tune in every Saturday at 12 PM on 1370 WSPD or visit www.arhq.com.  Investment Advisory Services are offered through The Retirement Guys Formula, LLC.  Securities are offered through PEAK Brokerage Services LLC., Member FINRA / SIPC.  America’s Retirement Headquarters and Retirement Guys Formula is not an affiliate of PEAK Brokerage Services LLC. The office is at 1700 Woodlands Drive, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537. 419-842-0550 

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Don Lee
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Editorial cartoon by Don Lee for the Toledo Free Press.

JC’s Comics a superhero for 4 decades

By
Stephen Zenner
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Jaymz Collins (JC), owner of JC’s Comics, chats with a customer inside his shop at JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store.

Story and photos by Stephen Zenner

Standing underneath black KISS masks dangling from the ceiling and surrounded by thousands of sequential art stories, Jaymz Collins, or JC as he is less formally known, talked about his legacy as an artist who runs the oldest comic book store in Toledo. 

Jaymz Collins (JC), owner of JC’s Comics.
Exterior front of JC’s Comics N’ More.

Collins has amassed a treasure trove of visual details unleashed on his customers when they walk through the doors of JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store. The few hundred square feet of commercial real estate is filled to the brim with varying merchandise, from comic books, magazines and posters to action figures and games. There is so much that it truly could not be called anything less than a “super-store.” 

“You gotta’ do at least two laps of the place, and even then you’re not guaranteed to catch everything,” said Oak Harbor resident Greg Fillmore as he rummaged through a box of comics. “This is where I come to get my Godzilla fix.”  

Each nook and cranny of the store is leant to an expressive image, a unique story or any variety of curiosities Collins would be more than happy to obsess over with anyone who finds their way into his shop, located at St. James Plaza on Central Ave. in Toledo. 

Greg Fillmore sifts through comic books. Fillmore is one of JC’s most dedicated patrons, always on the prowl for more Godzilla paraphernalia.

Collins took over the previous comic store on Hill and Reynolds in 1985. The 23-year-old, fresh out of the Navy, mortgaged his inheritance to make a downpayment on the store.

The ultimate personality hire, Collins let his love of comic books run wild, and lends a bit of his own expert fandom to each customer who enters his store.

“I think stores like this thrive on relationships,” said Jacob McPhail, who was a fairly regular customer before he started working for Collins. McPhail has since gone on to get a “big-boy job,” but said they have maintained a strong friendship. 

“He’s real,” McPhail said. “If you ask him, he’s gonna’ give you the truth. He’ll give it to you straight and I think people appreciate that.”

Jacob McPhail, of Southbend, Indiana, stands inside JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store. McPhail used to work for JC’s nearly a decade ago and maintains a close friendship with JC Collins.

It is common for Collins’ customers to form a long-lasting relationship with him. After all, his super store will celebrate its 40th anniversary in September. 

But recently, Collins has been upfront about the financial difficulties he’s been having at the store as he tries to make ends meet. 

“I guess I am theoretically rich,” quipped Collins, referencing the merchandise in his store. “But my bank account? Not so much.”

Collins explained that his business thrives off of disposable income, and with the cost of necessities rising, people are slowly cutting comics and the paraphernalia he provides out of their budget.

But plenty of people still wander into Collins’ store with lighthearted expectations, which McPhail affectionately calls “one-sie, two-sies,” based on how many times they may come back to the store.

“We’re just kinda’ looking,” new customer Conn O’Halloranon told Collins as he snaked his way through the narrow pathways. But O’Halloran, here on vacation from California, ended up purchasing a few comics for himself and a number of other items for his kids. 

Conn O’Halloran, of Tehachapi, California, shows off his comic book finds. O’Halloran was with his kids inside JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store.
Conn O’Halloran shows off his comic book finds at JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store.

Collins has mastered the art of piquing curiosities with his selections and making informed recommendations, but, the bottom line is his comics need readers.

McPhail said that “online I can find any issue I want, but there’s a distinct feeling of going through a bin and finding things, that create an experience for the buyer. People can find things cheaper online, but resourceful people come to JC’s.”

Two years ago, Fillmore, a Godzilla fanatic, found an oddly specific Godzilla piece at JC’s, and he and Collins both remember it clearly. 

“It was a 62’ Godzilla, the first King Kong vs Godzilla, released in Japan in 62’ and in America in 63’. That’s the one I walked in and I had to have it,” Fillmore recalled. That light-up Godzilla cost around $300, but Fillmore prefers not to dwell on the price of his “habit.”

“I peel the price tags off so the wife doesn’t see them,” he laughed. “He’s got anything you could damn near imagine. That’s what keeps me coming here over and over again.

“Did you have me in mind when you bought that Godzilla,” Fillmore asked Collins, who replied that of course he had Fillmore in mind when he bought the rare piece.

Austin Kochanski, of Swanton, looks at action figures at JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store.
Jaymz Collins draws Christmas trees on gift certificates. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
Jaymz Collins, the owner of JC’s Comics, points to framed custom comics made by famous comic book artists specially for JC’s store at JC’s Comics N’ More.

ODOT fleet ready for winter weather

By
Steven Bieber
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ODOT driver Nathan Stribrny prepares his plow truck for a wintery mix of rain and snow. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Advice for motorists: ‘Ice and snow, take it slow.’

MAUMEE – In anticipation of today’s forecast of 1-3″ of slushy accumulation and up to 1″ of snow throughout parts of Lucas County, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) mechanics and drivers at the Lucas County Garage were busy preparing many of their 16 plow trucks for the road.

Brian Drewes, Lucas County Garage transportation manager.

“Currently here at Lucas (County Garage), we started getting our trucks ready for the possible event that may happen this afternoon and this evening,” said Brian Drewes, transportation manager of the Lucas County Garage. “It’s important we go over all of this stuff so we know we can get through the storm without any issues.

“We also want everybody to keep in mind that our drivers are out and to give them their space so we can get home with our families,” he said.

Safety is a primary concern for ODOT. Last winter, ODOT plow trucks were struck 22 times while engaged in snow and ice operations. Ohio’s Move Over law requires drivers on state highways to move over a lane or slow down when approaching a stationary vehicle with
flashing lights, no matter the season or color of the flashing lights.

ODOT mechanic Nick Rupp works on a plow truck in the Lucas County Garage in Maumee before a winter event on New Year’s Eve. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

As winter weather arrives, snow and ice make roads slippery and dangerous. These conditions increase the chances of a vehicle accident. To make the roads safer, ODOT works tirelessly to stay prepared for winter storms.

Kelsie Hoagland, public information officer for ODOT District 2, discussed during a recent press conference at the Lucas County Garage how ODOT prepares for weather events by keeping the roads clear and salted. District 2 serves Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Williams and Wood counties in northwest Ohio, and is headquartered in Bowling Green.

“We have mechanics at each of our garages that regularly maintain our vehicles, and we do in-depth snow and ice inspections, where we actually do a deep dive in identifying any miscellaneous problems that might be overlooked,” Hoagland said.

She added that they also send the mechanics to the Bowling Green garage or bring in district garage mechanics from Bowling Green.

Hoagland explained that the garage considers weather conditions and snowfall rates to keep the roads safe, and they take into account the many different types of weather events that can come in, whether it has ice, heavy snow, light snow, winds.

She also discussed the process that takes place before and during a snowstorm. “We have two shifts – A shift and B shift – and then we run those at a rolling 12 hours throughout a winter event. So, if a storm is going to start with rain, we cannot do any pre-treating, but if the temperatures are cold enough that it’s going to start with snow, then we can do things like pre-treat the roads with Brine, which is a saltwater combination.”

ODOT driver Tony Juhasz prepares his Tandem wing plow for a wintery mix of rain and snow. Juhasz, of Whitehouse, has been driving for ODOT for two years. (TFP Photo/Lori King)


She clarified that Brine are the white stripes you see on the roadway before winter events. If a storm is going to begin with rain, it cannot be used because the rain will wash it away. Rock salt is also put on the roads for snow and ice.

Hoagland noted that each county is responsible for monitoring the weather, which is done through checking local news stations and other weather networks. After that, they roll into shifts for pretreatment (if applicable), followed by shifts after the snow begins to fall. Workers stay on 12-hour shifts until the snow is gone and the road is restored to normal conditions.

Hoagland offered advice for how regular drivers can help the ODOT driver.

“’Ice and snow, take it slow.’ That’s one of our slogans. And ‘don’t crowd the plow’ is another one that’s really focused on helping our drivers,” she said.

“It helps the motoring public because when you’re too close to our trucks, they can’t see you, and you are not having the best benefit of their work. You’re not actually getting the protected roadway. So, if you’re actually driving into the salt, it hasn’t had the chance to work yet. Give the room space, the truck space.”

She also recommended motorists keep materials, like a blanket or bottled water, in their vehicles in case they are ever stranded, and keep tires at the correct PSI.

ODOT driver Nathan Stribrny exits the Lucas County Garage as rain begins to fall on New Year’s Eve. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Steven J Athanas
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Cartoon by Steven J Athanas for the Toledo Free Press.

End-of-year reflections and gratitude

By
Lori King
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Lori King, center, visits a University of Toledo UT:10 TV production class to recruit interns for the spring semester. Max Alfonso, center in red, is one of those interns. (Courtesy Photo by Kevin O'Korn)

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all our readers, donors and subscribers for supporting our mission of providing local journalism that matters.

Reflecting on the past six months, I’m amazed at what we’ve accomplished in such a short time. Since June 3, when the TFP board hired me as the editor-in-chief, we’ve been busy moving into our office above the Blarney Irish Pub at 605 Monroe St. (a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated desks, chairs, tables, and even a fridge). We’ve hired staff, freelancers, and interns; built a website; secured funding to help keep us operational; and worked to spread the word that we’re up and running as a nonprofit, online-only local newsroom.

At this point, we only publish one story and cartoon a day, but that will hopefully increase as our staffing increases (my New Year’s resolution). We are also developing a podcast page, and will not only have our own podcast shows, but we’ll host other local podcasters, like Stage Door and Jaden Jefferson Reports.

Toledo Free Press publisher and founder Tom Pounds greats a new team of freelancers during the first staff meeting in the office. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

By the way, I no longer call the TFP a newspaper—after all, we don’t publish hard copies anymore. It’s a tough habit to break, considering I’ve been in the print newspaper business since 1980. But times have changed. It’s now the 21st Century, and how we disseminate news has changed dramatically. We’re witnessing the fast disappearance of legacy newspapers in our own lifetime, something I never thought would ever happen. At least we’re saving trees …

Unfortunately, as newspapers fade, news deserts and ghost newspapers are on the rise. According an executive summary in a 2024 report of The State of Local News, more than 3,200 print newspapers have vanished since 2005. In 2023 alone, 130 newspapers ceased operations. Imagine the void left in communities without journalists reporting on local events; uncovering corruption; and holding public officials who make our policies accountable.

It’s our job as a nonprofit newsroom, which are thankfully increasing, to shed light on the truth and serve our community. Read the 2024 report … the details are alarming.

The Toledo Free Press staff: audience engagement editor Kelly McGilvery, from left, editor-in-chief Lori King, assignment editor Erin Holden and investigative reporter Stephen Zenner. (TFP Photo/Alonzo Torres)

When I taught journalism and media communication at Owens, the University of Toledo, and Wayne State, I always surveyed students on the first day of class about their news habits. I was initially shocked that most of them had never read a newspaper. That’s right … never.

Those who did pay attention to news got it from social media, like X (formally known as Twitter and now owned by billionaire Elon Musk, who makes you pay for a blue checkmark rather than earn it); TikTok (which capitalizes on partisan algorithms, though its fate is nigh); Facebook (now capitalizing on paid boosts to share content); and podcasters, YouTube and online news sites, like Patch, Axios and Vox.

What hasn’t changed? The absolute necessity for journalism to remain fair, balanced, verifiable and reliable.

Tom Pounds and Lori King visit the WTOL studio to secure our media partnership. (Courtesy Photo/Brian Dugger/WTOL)

Starting a newsroom from scratch is no small task, and we expect growing pains for at least another year. Building a strong identity that resonates with the community takes time. I appreciate your patience as we work to fulfill our mission of telling your stories ethically and responsibly.

One of our biggest challenges is simply letting northwest Ohioans know we exist. How can we thoroughly cover Toledo without reader input and news tips? We don’t want to rely solely on press releases.

So, here’s my ask: If you like what we are doing, please share our content on social media, and continue supporting us as we grow.

I also ask that you keep us accountable, as well. Help us ensure that we’re meeting your expectations. If you see something—good or bad—please let us know. You can contact me at loriking@toledofreepress.com.

Before I close, I want to highlight three key tools on our website:

     •           The Donation Button: This button takes you to our Patreon, PayPal and First Amendment Society links. Your contributions help employ our journalists and keep the Toledo Free Press completely free. Donors also receive a weekly newsletter with updates on new hires, staff profiles, event announcements and more.

     •           The Subscription Button: Sign up for Kelly McGilvery’s weekly newsletter, which recaps published stories and behind-the-scenes insights.

     •           The Story Tip Line: Use this to let us know what’s happening in your neighborhoods.

The staff (Erin Holden, Kelly McGilvery and Stephen Zenner) and our board members thank you for supporting local journalism. Together, we can ensure that Toledo and northwest Ohio have the robust news coverage you deserve.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Jerry King
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0

Cartoon by Jerry King.

Toledo’s probationary firefighters prepared for duty

By
Paula Wethington
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Lt. Jeff Wheeler, right, instructs recruits how to operate an aerial ladder during pump works and hose work training on Oct. 3, at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

TRFD Academy celebrates its current class with Family Day

This is Part 2 of a limited series about the current Toledo Fire & Rescue Academy class.

Story by Paula Wethington | Photos Courtesy of Toledo Fire & Rescue

WALBRIDGE – Toledo Fire & Rescue Department’s newest class of probationary firefighters have earned their assigned stations after being sworn in during a ceremony on Dec. 6.

Nineteen recruits from Fire Class 298 take the firefighter oath during family day on Dec. 6, at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness in Walbridge, Ohio. They will be assigned to line operations as probationary firefighters. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

The ceremony took place during the academy’s Family Day program at the Center for Emergency Preparedness Center on Tracy Road. The facility, designed for public safety and first responder training, is near the main campus of Owens Community College.

“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. I wanted to give back to my community,” said Aubrey Bruhn, 18, of Waterville, who was among those named to probationary firefighter rank that day.

Scott Bruhn, who described his daughter as “motivated,” explained his daughter did not wait for the 2024-25 fire academy to officially begin, but took her emergency medical technician class ahead of time. The schedule for EMT was tight, given her birthdate, but the accomplishment was earned.

Bruhn’s TRFD assignment is at Station 9. She met her station crew mates just one day before earning her rank.

Fire Academy Class 298

Toledo Fire Class 298 started its training Aug. 16 with 30 recruits. By early December, one was on an injury leave while 29 remained active in the program. 

The class participants ranged in age 18 to 39, with some coming in from former careers, such as with the military. Those who already have EMT or paramedic certifications, like Bruhn, get station assignments after completing the firefighter training courses, while the rest continue with EMT-Basic classes.

A graduation ceremony for the academy class takes place Feb. 28.

Training their crew mates

Running a fire academy is a huge investment for the department, and it happens only as schedules and budgets permit. 

One reason is that veteran personnel from across the city need to step out of their regular 24-hour-on/48-hour-off station assignments into instructor preparation and training hours to coincide with the recruits’ schedule. But that’s how TRFD wants to bring new personnel on board.

Recruit Nathanael Hicks leans back in his harness at the top of the 95’ ladder of an aerial ladder truck on Oct.18 at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. The aerial ladder climb is a requirement for all recruits, intended to boost their confidence. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
Recruit Garrett Whitney climbs the 95’ ladder of an aerial ladder truck on Oct. 18 at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. The aerial adder climb is a requirement for all recruits, intended to boost their confidence. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

“They put forth effort, and we’ll get them to the finish line,” said Lt. John Rodriguez, who was among the academy instructors.

“I’m very proud to say they are coming to the line with me,” said Capt. Michael Romstadt, who led this year’s academy class. “It’s a very tough academy. We push them; we push them very hard.”

TRFD academy meets for 40 hours a week. Most of the classwork and training takes place at the Owens facility; some instruction takes place at Maumee Fire Division’s burn tower. The lessons include how to put out a structure fire, handling hazardous materials at a scene and how to operate the department’s equipment.

“I knew it was going to be very physical,” Bruhn said about the 16-weeks firefighter training. “But I didn’t expect how physical, and how good they got me in shape.”

Another classmate, recruit Shamonde Sanders, age 26, of Toledo, is a military veteran who had considered police work as his next career step. But then he decided on fire and rescue. 

“This is a perfect opportunity to give back to the community,” Sanders said about his career path. “I think it is underrated how smart firefighters are, what they need to know and be prepared for at all times.”

The recruits are paid for academy training, and “we’re definitely getting our money’s worth,” Romstadt said.

Family Day celebration

Family Day is second only to graduation day itself within the academy. It marks the training achievements so far, and it is also a chance to meet and thank family and friends who supported recruits throughout the process. 

The Dec. 6 ceremony and luncheon took place in the vehicle bay of the Owens training facility. It included speeches from the TRFD chief and other officials, introductions of the instructors and a roll call of the newest firefighters. Rev. Nicole Ritz, one of the TRFD chaplains, also gave a welcome and prayers.

The speeches and remarks included numerous acknowledgements for the family and friends at home.

“It’s the support system at home – you guys – that get this across the finish line,” Romstadt told their family and friends. “We talk a lot about tradition in the fire department. This is not a job: This is about service. This is about teamwork.”

Daniel Brown-Martinez, deputy chief of the training academy, encouraged the academy students to keep their passion for service. “Remember that it is a privilege and an honor to serve,” he said.

Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong speaks during family day for Fire Class 298. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

Then TRFD Chief Allison Armstrong gave her keynote speech.

“We know that they rely heavily on family and friends for support,” she said. “We chose a career of service.”

In their future roles, she reminded the audience, firefighters will have long and busy 24 hours before going home.

Lt. Jeff Wheeler, left, instructs recruit Rafael Cordova how to work the instrument panel for a pumper rig during pump works and hose work training in October at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness in Walbridge, Ohio. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

The firefighters are trained to respond to situations, such as a traffic accident or medical emergency. Under those conditions, the chief said, the firefighters are expected to treat the public with courtesy and professionalism. “People call us because they need help,” she said.

But there are also school visits, community events, parades, vehicle maintenance, training updates and smoke detector demonstrations.

Jadon Thompson, left, who became a probationary firefighter after taking the firefighter oath, shakes hands with recruit Nathanael Hicks during family day on Dec.6. Thompson will be assigned to line operations while Hicks will progress to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training before he becomes a probationary firefighter. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)

Armstrong instructed her new personnel that they are to be the first to get up and last to sit down when they arrive at their stations for a shift.

“Expect to be busy all day and prepare for that,” she said.

The 19 students who earned probationary firefighter status wore a full black dress uniform with the TRFD patch and cap. After the speeches, they lined up at attention in front of a Toledo fire truck to raise their right hands and recite the department’s oath of office.

The remaining 10 recruits who will continue on in the academy wore a simpler uniform and a red hat. Those recruits sat among the audience, but stood to join their classmates in the chant: “We will serve our community. We will inspire.”

What’s next?

Toledo’s newest firefighters spend a year rotating around three different stations.

TRFD has 18 stations across the city, and while the crews primarily work within the city limits, the department participates in mutual aid calls with neighboring fire districts as needed.

With upcoming city budgets currently under discussion, it’s not clear when the next academy class will begin. Romstadt said they like to start that series in the summer so that any training that needs to take place outdoors can happen amid ideal weather conditions.

Romstadt and Rodriguez said the schedule and personnel selected for each academy is intended to stay ahead of pending and expected retirements. 

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