The Heart of the Community

The Fuller Hose Volunteer Fire Department has been answering the call to care on cold, dark nights for over 140 years.

After the town of North East burned to the ground multiple times, the citizens saw an obvious need for fire protection. In 1885, a fire company was launched with 26 members. Ezra N. Fuller donated $100 toward the purchase of a hand-drawn hose cart, and the members paid homage by naming the company in his honor. 

According to legend, years later when Fuller Hose added a fire truck to its equipment list, members wanted to drive the new truck down the streets of North East in an upcoming parade. But the truck was not painted yet; it was a muted gray color rather than the characteristic red. The people of the town, however, liked the color! Now, tradition dictates that all the trucks and equipment are painted the same gray hue with blue striping. 

Fire Capt. Chris Skrekla says, “We are right in the heart of the community and located very close to where the original fire station was. It’s something we really embrace—being a part of the community.”  

The fire service is one of those unique volunteer opportunities where you can help friends and neighbors you know. The help that the department provides includes fire rescues of course, but the volunteers do so much more. 

“Fortunately, with the advances in technology, there are far fewer house fires than there were decades ago,” notes Chris. So the fire department has developed other ways to serve the people of North East. 

One important area of service is education. Fire company members visit area schools and civic organizations to give presentations on fire prevention and other safety concerns. 

“We love it every October when we visit all the schools and talk to the kids. For me as a father, it’s a highlight to interact with the kids, and so important that they understand how to protect themselves.”

With several area lakes and rivers, and the extensive shoreline of Lake Erie, water rescue is another obvious need in the area. The Swift Water Rescue team was formed in 2018. Fuller Hose’s first boat was provided by the Northwest Emergency Response Group.

It has since added a 25-ft. boat and trained personnel for both active rescue and a scuba team for recovery operations. The team receives about 25 calls per year and works with the U.S. Coast Guard and other local rescues.

Fuller Hose VFD also stays connected to the community through social media, and features “Way Back Wednesdays” on Facebook. Historical photos of the fire department from the 1940s–1990s are posted on the site, and people love seeing their friends and family members in the vintage photos.  

There are many ways that you can become a part of the history of the fire company. Several jobs are available within the department, and not all of them involve running into burning buildings. 

One important role is the fire police. They set up a perimeter around a fire scene and secure the area.

Others serve as exterior fireground support. They might be pulling hoses from the truck or making sure that firefighters have the equipment and protective gear they need to work. 

Applicants must be 21 years of age to serve. All the training is paid for, and there are benefits to serving, such as a local property tax rebate of 20 percent.

If you would like to help the fire department as a private citizen, you could be a hero with the “Adopt a Hydrant” program. These volunteers ensure that fire hydrants are free from snow and ice and accessible for fire crews. 

Fuller Hose VFD is fortunate to receive municipal contributions for fuel, utilities and building maintenance. But there are many other things that require funding to make the department work, such as ongoing education, firefighting and rescue equipment, and a variety of other essential needs. 

You can help support the fire department by patronizing its fundraisers, such as The Cherry Fest held in July. This four-day festival with a parade and great food is hosted by Fuller Hose and Crescent Hose. Attending helps to support both departments. 

Fuller Hose also holds a Cash Bash in August, and the Fall Fest in October.

Fortunately, being a firefighter is not as dangerous as it was in decades past. However, firefighters sometimes do make the ultimate sacrifice in serving the community. On Aug. 20, 2023, Fuller Hose member Shawn Giles was serving as a fire police officer when he was killed by a person driving at a high rate of speed where Giles was protecting the fire scene. Officer Giles is memorialized at Gibson Park.

If you feel that the work of Fuller Hose VFD is an important service for the community, you may consider making a donation—which can be mailed directly to the department—or attending one of the fundraising events. For more information on volunteering or upcoming events, visit the website at fullerhoseco1.com and follow the department on Facebook at facebook.com/fullerhose.