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Springfield Township was awarded 2008 Firehouse of the Year by Gold Star Chili in a ceremony held on Wednesday, December 17. Firefighters, township trustees, franchise owners and supporters attended the afternoon celebration. Chief Leininger eloquently spoke after accepting the award and a check for $2,000 “After suffering from ‘Firehouse of the Year Envy’ for several years, it was very gratifying to finally win the distinguished award.” The Township’s Fire Department had been declared “runner-up” for the past few years. Chief Leininger continues, “ More importantly however, the award represents the quality of our innovative fire prevention programs that have been developed by Lieutenant Randy Miller and staff.  Firefighters educate over 4,000 children and adults about fire safety, severe weather preparedness and accident avoidance annually.  I honestly feel that our fire prevention programs have reduced the amount of fires in Springfield Township and hopefully have even saved lives.”
 

Gold Star Chili presents the award annually to an organization of firefighters that demonstrates a team effort and dedicates a significant amount of time and resources to educating the community and promoting fire safety and prevention. The Springfield Township Fire Department promotes education year-round with classroom visits and a series of educational events including the Fire Department Open House, Junior Fire Academy, Kids Fire Academy, the College Prep Fire Safety Program, and the Juvenile Fire Setter Program.

Springfield Township is a first ring suburb in the Greater Cincinnati area, consisting of approximately 16 ½ square miles and 39,755 residents. The Township is governed by an elected Board of Township Trustees who is dedicated to delivering reliable and superior services to create a sense of community, enhance property values and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses in the Township.

Photos: 1) Cincinnati Fire Chief Bobby Smith recognizes past winners and congratulated Springfield Township Fire Department for their ongoing educational programs. 2)Mike Rohrkemper, CEO from Gold Star Chili talks about the criteria for the award and elaborates on why Springfield Township was chosen to receive top honors. 3) Lt. Randy Miller and Chief Robert Leininger accept a check in the amount of $2,000. CEO Mike Rohrkemper and the Finneytown franchise owner presents the check. 4) Trustees Tom Bryan, Trustee Gwen McFarlin, and Fiscal Officer John Waksmundski show their support and speak of their gratitude toward iur hard working Fire Department crew members. 5) (L to R) Captain Mark Thurman, Tim Findley, Assistant Chief Rick Browe, Matt Morgan, Marilyn Pappas, Mike Stein, Cy Wilson, John Buesing, Chief Robert Leininger, Allen Guile, Fred Sarvis, Lt. Randy Miller, Lt. Tom Sarvis & Finneytown Gold Star Franchise Owner Mark Dibbini   6) (Top, L to R): Lt. Tom Sarvis, Fred Sarvis  (Bottom, L to R): Chief Rob Leininger, Cy Wilson, Matt Morgan, Rob Runella, Allen Guile, Marilyn Pappas, John Buesing, Captain Mark Thurman, Lt. Randy Miller