Fire Department History
Over the years, many fire companies protected portions of Sycamore Township. In recent times, after cities and villages were established, Sycamore Township primarily contracted with two private fire companies for fire/EMS protection in the township; the Montgomery Community Fire Department and the Rossmoyne Community Fire Department. In 1994, Sycamore Township decided to discontinue these contracts and initiated the process to form a township fire department.
In October 1995, The Sycamore Township Fire Department (STFD) was created from these two private fire companies that served the township for more than 60 years. Unlike other fire organizations, the STFD never had a bucket brigade or horse drawn fire engine steamers. The STFD initiated services which included paramedic ambulances and complete fire suppression and rescue companies. The fire department employed 11 career personnel who were supported by nearly 100 part-time employees who were certified as EMT/Paramedic/Firefighters. Sycamore Township Fire Department currently employs 21 career and 60 part-time personnel. The department serves a population of nearly 80,000 during the daytime working and evening hours, and over 20,000 residents at night. The men and women who proudly represent the STFD are highly trained, dedicated, committed, and proud to serve the citizens and customers of Sycamore Township.
In October 1995, The Sycamore Township Fire Department (STFD) was created from these two private fire companies that served the township for more than 60 years. Unlike other fire organizations, the STFD never had a bucket brigade or horse drawn fire engine steamers. The STFD initiated services which included paramedic ambulances and complete fire suppression and rescue companies. The fire department employed 11 career personnel who were supported by nearly 100 part-time employees who were certified as EMT/Paramedic/Firefighters. Sycamore Township Fire Department currently employs 21 career and 60 part-time personnel. The department serves a population of nearly 80,000 during the daytime working and evening hours, and over 20,000 residents at night. The men and women who proudly represent the STFD are highly trained, dedicated, committed, and proud to serve the citizens and customers of Sycamore Township.
Circa 1940 | Sycamore Township Fire Department | The department operated out of the old Township Building, which was located on Kenwood Road in Blue Ash.
1947 | "Five Point" Photo | Deer Park FD, Madeira & Vicinity FD, Silverton FD, Rossmoyne Community FD, Montgomery Community FD
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1984 | "Five Point" Photo | Deer Park FD, Madeira & Indian Hill FD, Silverton FD, Rossmoyne Community FD, Montgomery Community FD
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2004 | Last "Five Point" Photo | Montgomery FD, Sycamore Township FD, Madeira & Indian Hill FD, Deer Park - Silverton FD
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Sycamore Township History
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The Township Government concept is more than 1,000 years old. The origin to Township Government is unknown, although the first written reference dates back to the year 890. Most historians believe it was brought to England by the Saxons. This same concept of pioneer government came to America with the Pilgrims. By order of the Mayflower Compact, it became the first form of government in America. This unit of local government eventually spread as far west as the Rocky Mountains. Today it is found in 22 states.
Sycamore Township was established in 1803, creating Ohio's first form of government. The size and shape of the townships as determined by the Congressional Acts, were established by various land grants. There are 1,308 townships in Ohio and approximately 251 cities and 687 villages. The Township functions today...efficiently and quietly...and accomplishes more for less tax money than any other form of government. During the 20th century, Sycamore Township's fertile hills, valleys and thick forests served as an agricultural area with a few small communities spread throughout. As the years passed, many of these communities such as Sharonville, Reading, Deer Park, Amberly Village, Blue Ash, Glendale, Montgomery and Evendale gained in population enough to become incorporated into either cities or villages and withdrew from the Township. Several other communities formed in the unincorporated areas of the Township in the 1800's including Rossmoyne, Milldale, Brecon and High Point. After WW II came the explosive growth of two new subdivisions, Kenwood and Dillonvale, and the Township's population grew from only a few thousand to well over 20,000 in just a few short years. Since then, the northern section of Sycamore Township has become home for many company headquarters and new subdivisions. As population in these surrounding communities grew, the 1980's witnessed a spectacular growth in the Kenwood business area with shopping mall expansions and new office complexes being constructed. Today, just as in 1803, Sycamore Township is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio. Sycamore Township is governed by four elected offiials. Three Trustees and a Fiscal Officer, each elected for a four-year term, administer Sycamore Township. With a population of over 20,000 residents, Sycamore Township remains a thriving and growing community. With no earnings tax, the Township operates with the local real estate tax, which the Township uses to provide for police, fire/EMS, zoning and general maintenance. Sycamore Township attracts revenue from all over the Cincinnati Metropolitan area with its shopping malls, business complexes, restaurants and recreation facilities. Situated between two major highways, (I-75 and I-71) Sycamore Township is only minutes from downtown, museums, the arts, major sporting events, theme parks, airports and more. |
Historic Sycamore Township Map | Year Unknown
Sycamore Township Map | 2008
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