Our early growth came in 1957 when voters approved a levy that enabled us to construct two new fire stations and purchase two additional fire engines. This expansion reflected our community’s commitment to fire protection and set the stage for professional development.

In 1960, we reached a significant milestone by hiring our first full-time fire chief and four dispatchers, marking our transition from an all-volunteer service to a professional department. These dispatchers took on dual roles as engineers, operating our fire apparatus while volunteers continued to form the backbone of our emergency response team. During this era, we maintained around-the-clock coverage with four personnel during day shifts, one firefighter in the afternoon, and one on the midnight shift.

The Howland Fire Department made history in 1977 by launching Trumbull County’s first paramedic program. This groundbreaking initiative required hiring additional personnel and providing advanced medical training, positioning us as regional leaders in emergency medical care.

By 1978, our staffing had evolved to include three to four personnel on day shifts, three on afternoons, and one on the midnight shift, with paramedics covering both day and afternoon shifts. The introduction of paramedic services significantly increased our call volume while maintaining our strong volunteer foundation.

In 1980, we implemented 24-hour staffing with four full-time members, while our chief and assistant chief continued working day shifts. As call volumes grew throughout the 1980s and 1990s and volunteer availability declined, we responded by adding more full-time positions.

During the 1990s, our staffing structure included a chief, assistant chief, fire inspector, and five full-time members providing 24-hour coverage, with volunteers continuing to play a vital supplemental role in our operations.

Recognizing changing community needs, we added part-time positions in 1994 to ensure adequate coverage during periods of low volunteer availability. In 2000, we increased our full-time staffing to six members, maintaining four personnel on 24 hour shifts alongside our chief, assistant chief, and inspector during day hours.

Our most recent expansion occurred in 2019 when we hired three additional full-time members, bringing each shift to eight personnel to better serve our growing community. Our chief, assistant chief, and inspector work alongside the shift crews during daytime hours.

The Howland Fire Department now operates as a modern, full-service emergency response organization comprising:

• 29 full-time members (26 working 24-on/48-off schedules)
• 10-12 part-time members
• 24-hour staffing at all three fire stations

In 2024, our department responded to 4,120 emergency calls, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to community safety and service.

From our humble beginnings with a handful of dedicated volunteers to our current status as a comprehensive emergency services provider, the Howland Fire Department has grown tremendously while staying true to our commitment to community protection. Built on a foundation of service and sustained by continuous growth and innovation, we have evolved to meet the changing needs of our township over nearly eight decades.