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LISBON -- The fire department is looking at requiring prospective firefighters undergo a physical, which would drive up operating costs.
Lisbon Fire Chief Paul Gresh Jr. attended this week's village council meeting to seek permission to administer physicals to two new firefighter applicants. This is the first time physicals have been required, and he said it became necessary after learning one of their firefighters was on disability after he was appointed, something the applicant never volunteered to tell them, nor are they allowed to ask.
"The only way I found out is we were on a lift assist when he said, 'Oh, I got to watch what I lift because I'm on disability,'" Gresh said, adding he talked with the firefighter about the possible liability to the village and the firefighter resigned about a year ago.
Fiscal Officer Tracey Wonner said the village pays for physicals of police applicants considered for hire, with Police Chief Mike Abraham pointing out it is in the personnel policy and state law. She said those physicals cost the village about $1,000, and Gresh pointed out that expense would be split with Center and Elkrun townships, which contract with Lisbon for fire services.
Abraham said this would have to be made part of the personnel policy for firefighters to be legal, and Councilwoman Dawn Thomas had already called for a council work session to review personnel policy and job descriptions. It was decided that would be an ideal time to discuss requiring firefighters undergo a physical.
In related news, council voted to spend $15,000 to make improvements to the fire station, with the cost split with Center and Elkrun townships. Councilman Jerry Cox said he has been working with Center Township Trustee Greg Shive on assessing the department's needs, with the money to be spent on new office flooring, refacing and repointing the brick facade of the station and replacing the rusty steel man door. Roger Flory, the brother of a firefighter, will do the work. Council already approved putting a new roof on the station earlier in the year.
Councilman Peter Wilson suggested they get other quotes, although they are not required to since the amount is below $50,000, but Cox said they want to act now because it is needed and have it done in time for the Johnny Appleseed Festival in September.
"I don't want to continue dragging our feet because it will just continue to fall down, and the village doesn't have $500,000 to build a new fire station," Cox said.
Gresh said he and his firefighters are grateful for everything council has done. "Believe me, everybody at the fire department appreciates your efforts in bring the fire department up to where it should be," he said.
tgiambroni@mojonews.com