For the first time in 148 years, the Eagle Joint Fire District in Hubbard has full-time firefighters on their staff. Jared Vinkler, Jeremey Gless, Vince MCClimans, Joey Milano, Jason Miller and Mike Wright were sworn in at the department on Wednesday. 

“It's a bit of a relief knowing that there's mostly likely going to be somebody here in the time of need,” Chief Ron Stanish of the Eagle Joint Fire District said. 

In the beginning, the station was made up of all volunteers, but officials made a point to get the station to a place where they can promote staff to full-time. 

“This not only services the city but the township as a district,” Rick Hernandez, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Eagle Joint Fire District said. 

A levy passed by voters funds the new positions. Chief Stanish said they’ve had a hard time filling shifts in recent years especially on the weekends but now someone will always be on duty. 

“Even as a volunteer our response times were pretty good. They are certainly better now being that this is a staffed department,” Chief Stanish said 

Additionally, since all six full-timers are EMS trained that means better medical help.

“Within 10 minutes you can expect to see an ambulance in your driveway,” Hernandez said.

Even with six positions now filled, the station is always looking for more part-timers and hope to get more funding in the future to promote more staff members to full-time employees. 

“I just see this whole future of this department moving in a positive direction,” Hernandez said. “This is here to stay in Hubbard city.”

The fire department also has a renewal levy coming up on the November ballot. If passed they will receive funding for equipment and building maintenance.