By Deanna Adams
The police and fire departments are vital to the health and well-being of any city. The job of the police is to protect citizens by preventing crime, enforcing laws, apprehending suspects, and monitoring traffic. They respond to calls for help, violations, and make arrests.
The job of the fire department is to respond to calls to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life, property and the environment, as well as to rescue people and animals from dangerous situations.
We asked the leaders of these important community heroes a few questions many might be wondering about. Part 2 of 2 features Mentor Fire Chief Bob Searles
Fire Chief Searles
Robert Searles joined the department in 1988 and has held every rank within it. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1992, battalion chief in 1994, deputy chief in 2000, and became the Mentor fire chief in 2014. He has served on the Ohio attorney general’s school safety task force and works with the Mentor Public Schools and police department on hazard preparation and response planning for school-based emergencies. He is also the recipient of the 2014-2015 Department of Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars Firefighter of the Year Award.
What do you want people to know about your work?
The Mentor Fire Department, and the city of Mentor, have a long and rich tradition of caring for one another, and working together. Over the years, we’ve evolved to what I refer to as a full-service fire department. Because of the tremendous support of our community, we’re able to make use of some of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment available. We’ve developed a culture that has empowered our firefighters to look beyond basic fire and EMS services to find ways to improve the wellness of our community. Our service delivery capabilities and specialty services we are able to offer is only possible because the residents support their safety services, along with our business community and schools that have partnered with us to make things safer and better in Mentor. I would like our residents to know that we are here for them and we are grateful for the partnerships that we have developed with our community.
Everyone knows they should have fire and CO detectors, but what other life-saving measures people should know, or do, that they may not be aware of?
Smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are very important, and we have developed programs that have a strong focus on fire prevention. But there are many risk factors present in our community. Our primary goal is to improve the overall strength and wellness of our community by reducing harm. The key is working together and we are fortunate to have strong community partners – whether it is with other city departments, mental health, our schools or neighboring public safety agencies.
Why does the fire department always send out two big trucks when responding?
At least two big trucks are sent to most emergencies because we want to ensure the best outcome possible. We operate with a tiered response system that has proven to be effective. All of our multi-station responses are managed using a standard management system that allows our officers the flexibility to reduce, or increase, the response assignment based on need. Our experience has taught us that, in most cases, we can do more for our residents than just treat the patient. Because we respond with the ambulance and fire engine, we’re able to provide more than just good EMS care. The crew on the fire truck not only assists caring for the patient but can do more once the ambulance leaves for the hospital. Examples include comforting the family by providing updates on their loved one, giving directions to the hospital, securing the house, making sure other hazards are abated like turning the stove off or locking up the house. All our fire apparatus is equipped with advance life-support equipment and trained paramedics, so if there is a second call in their response area, they are already on the road and able to respond to the next call.
What is the most common cause of fires and how best to prevent them?
Below are three common causes that we have seen reoccur:
- Unattended candles, especially around the holiday season. They have been knocked over by pets, or too close to curtains that wind blows into the flame or left burning long enough to overheat and break their holder.
- Unattended food on the stove. We often see this at night when someone comes home from a night out and starts cooking, then falls asleep in a chair or on the couch.
- Improper disposal of hot ashes from a fireplace or fire pits. We’ve had a number of fires where the homeowner discards ashes in the trash can that later catches on fire and extends to the house.
It’s important to mention that in all cases, a working smoke detector made a difference. We also offer free home safety inspections.
This article originally appeared in Mentor City Magazine 2020.