Welcome to the Bath Township Fire Department

Established in July of 1957, the Bath Township Fire Department proudly serves approximately 9,400 residents across 36 square miles with professional fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services, and hazardous materials response. Our fully staffed and funded department responds to between 1,500 and 1,700 emergency calls each year, providing dependable service twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Bath Township is home to a diverse and dynamic community that includes Bath Local Schools, Marimor School, the Allen County Educational Service Center, The Ohio State University at Lima, and Rhodes State College. The township also hosts several major employers, including Procter & Gamble, the Ford Motor Company Lima Engine Plant, MetoKote/PPG Corporation, Spartan/Nash, Nickles Bakery, Nelson Packaging, and U.S. Plastics Corporation.

Our response area includes nearly eight miles of Interstate 75 and portions of multiple state routes, including State Routes 309, 81, 115, and 65. Bath Township also features several parks within the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District, and the Ottawa River flows through the heart of our community.

The men and women of the Bath Township Fire Department are committed to delivering fast, efficient, professional, and compassionate care to every resident, visitor, EMS patient, and fire victim we serve. We believe Bath Township is a safe community in which to learn, work, play, and live, and it is truly our privilege to protect it.

We are grateful for the continued support of our outstanding community and honored to serve the residents of Bath Township.

A Message from Fire Chief Craig E. Vogel

Welcome to the Bath Township Fire Department website.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as Fire Chief of Bath Township and to lead the dedicated men and women who serve our community each day. Our department is built on a commitment to service, integrity, professionalism, and compassion. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and remind us of the responsibility we have to those who depend on us.

The fire service is about much more than responding to emergencies. It is about building relationships, earning the trust of our community, and being prepared to help others during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether responding to a fire, providing emergency medical care, or educating our residents about safety, our goal is to deliver the highest level of service possible.

Our greatest asset is our people. I firmly believe that the success of any organization begins with the individuals who make it up. As Fire Chief, one of my primary responsibilities is to provide our personnel with the training, resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. By investing in our people, encouraging professional development, and creating a culture of teamwork and accountability, we strengthen our department and improve the services we provide to our community.

Training and preparedness remain central to our mission. The emergencies we face continue to evolve, and we must be willing to adapt, learn, and improve. Through consistent training, sound leadership, and a commitment to operational readiness, we strive to ensure that our personnel are prepared to respond safely, efficiently, and professionally whenever called upon.

Equally important is our relationship with the community. We recognize that the trust placed in our department is something that must be earned every day. Through fire prevention, public education, community involvement, and partnerships with neighboring agencies and local organizations, we will continue working to make Bath Township a safer place to live, work, and visit.

As we look toward the future, my vision is to build upon the foundation of this department while continuing to move our organization forward. This means embracing new ideas, strengthening our operations, supporting our personnel, and remaining responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

I am proud to serve alongside the men and women of the Bath Township Fire Department. Their dedication, compassion, and willingness to serve others are what make this organization successful. While the Fire Chief may be the face of the department, it is our personnel who carry out our mission each and every day.

Thank you to our residents, Township Trustees, and community partners for your continued trust and support. I encourage you to explore our website, learn more about our department, and reach out whenever we can be of assistance.

Craig E. Vogel

Fire Chief

Bath Township Fire Department