Monclova Township Professional Firefighters Local 5450

Monclova Township Professional Firefighters Local 5450 IAFF/OAPFF Local consisting of 16 members serving the community of Monclova Township.

Monclova Township Fire-Rescue | Founding MemberToday, we commemorate and lay to rest the life and service of Melvin “Pet...
05/05/2026

Monclova Township Fire-Rescue | Founding Member

Today, we commemorate and lay to rest the life and service of Melvin “Pete” Plocek, one of Monclova Township Fire’s founding members, who dedicated 26 years to this township and significantly contributed to the development of our fire department.
Pete was part of the founding generation that built this department from the ground up — his commitment, sacrifice, and service laid the foundation that every member who followed has stood upon.
The courage of those who built this department lives on in every call we answer, every life we protect, and every generation of firefighters they inspired.
We are proud to have served alongside him. We are honored to carry his legacy forward.

🥃 BOURBON RAFFLE 🥃 Support your local firefighters and win some seriously impressive bourbon! We're raffling off 3 incre...
05/03/2026

🥃 BOURBON RAFFLE 🥃

Support your local firefighters and win some seriously impressive bourbon! We're raffling off 3 incredible prize baskets featuring premium, hard-to-find bottles.

🏆 PRIZE #1 (~$350 Value)
• Weller Special Reserve
• Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye (Bottled in Bond)
• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (9 Year 1 Month)

🥈 PRIZE #2
• Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea
• Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

🥉 PRIZE #3
• Four Roses Small Batch Select
• Maker's Mark Cask Strength (7 Years 5 Months)

🎟️ Tickets: $20 each — only 150 available!
🎯 Drawing will be held when all 150 tickets are sold (Updates will be posted on our Page)
📍 Need not be present to win

Contact any Local 5450 member to grab your tickets before they're gone!

Every ticket sold goes directly to supporting the men and women of Monclova Township Professional Firefighters Local 5450.

✅ Must be 21+ to purchase.

05/01/2026

We honor the life and legacy of Melvin “Pete” Plocek, a man whose commitment to Monclova Township helped shape the very foundation of our Fire Department. Alongside his day job and farming, Pete proudly served 26 years as a volunteer firefighter, answering the call whenever his community needed him. As a founding member of Monclova Township Fire~Rescue, his dedication, steady presence, and belief in public service set the standard.
Like many of our earliest volunteers, Pete balanced life, work, farming, and service without hesitation, giving his time not for recognition, but for the safety and well-being of his neighbors. His legacy lives on in the department he helped build. Pete's Department photo is from 1974. Engine screenshot is a general picture of Monclova firefighter attire from 1966. We extend our gratitude for a life of service and offer our heartfelt condolences to the Plocek family.

🚨 Safety Township Registration is NOW OPEN! 🚨Is your child entering kindergarten this fall? Don't miss Monclova Township...
04/25/2026

🚨 Safety Township Registration is NOW OPEN! 🚨
Is your child entering kindergarten this fall? Don't miss Monclova Township's Safety Township program — a hands-on safety experience designed just for them!
Kids will practice walking to school, riding the school bus (using a real AW school bus!), navigating traffic signals, and learn how to react safely in an emergency. All skills they can use every single day.
📅 Program Dates: June 8–12, 2026
📍 Location: Monclova Primary Elementary, 8035 Monclova Road, Monclova, OH 43542
📋 What you need to know:
✅ Registration: $30 (check payable to Monclova Township)
✅ Class size: Limited to 30 students per session — first come, first served!
✅ Sessions: AM & PM available — be sure to indicate your preference on the form
✅ Drop off registration at the Administration Building, 4335 Albon Road (Mon 12p–4p / Tues–Fri 8a–4p) or mail it in — payment must accompany registration
📝 Register here: https://monclovatwp.org/monclova-townships-safety-township-program-is-designed-for-children-entering-kindergarten-in-the-fall-of-2024/
❓ Questions? Reach out to the Fire Prevention Bureau at fireprevention@monclovatwp.org
⏳ Registration closes when spots are filled — sign up today before it's too late!

TEAM MEMBER TUESDAYThis week we are proud to introduce Firefighter/EMT Doug Bergman, currently assigned to B-Shift at Mo...
04/22/2026

TEAM MEMBER TUESDAY

This week we are proud to introduce Firefighter/EMT Doug Bergman, currently assigned to B-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & Rescue.

Doug began his career after graduating from Penta Career Center with his Firefighter II certification. He joined Allen-Clay Joint Fire District as a volunteer/part-time member while earning his EMT certification in Oregon. Doug joined Monclova Township Fire Department in 2018 as a part-time member and was hired full-time in 2022. He also serves as a Firefighter with NASCAR Motorsports.

What inspired you to become a firefighter?
Doug shares that his inspiration came from his father and grandfather. With family roots in law enforcement through the Toledo Police Department, he always knew he wanted a career in public service—but ultimately found his passion in the fire service.

Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
Doug enjoys that there’s never a dull moment. Between the crews and the community, the job brings constant energy, strong camaraderie, and the ability to have fun while serving others.

Favorite firehouse meal?
Anything Kiah is cooking—she always has something great up her sleeve.

Off the job you’ll find him:
Spending time with friends and family, fishing, riding SXS, camping—basically anything outdoors.

Favorite part of the job:
Doug says his favorite part is working alongside people he continues to grow with and considers family, while also making a difference in a community that always puts a smile on his face.

👏 Thank you, Doug, for your dedication and commitment to serving the Monclova community!

MEMBER MONDAY This week we are proud to introduce Firefighter/EMT Blake Reed, currently assigned to C-Shift at Monclova ...
04/13/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we are proud to introduce Firefighter/EMT Blake Reed, currently assigned to C-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & Rescue.

Blake began his career as a Firefighter with the 180th Fighter Wing, while also serving part-time with the Whitehouse Fire Department, where he continues to serve today. He was hired full-time with Monclova Township Fire & Rescue in February 2025. Blake is currently enrolled in Paramedic school as he continues to advance his level of care and service.

What inspired you to become a firefighter?
Blake shares that his interest started during a base tour at the 180th Air National Guard. What stood out most was the warm welcome from the firefighters and the strong sense of brotherhood—they made a lasting impression and he knew he wanted to be part of it.

Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
Working for Monclova has always been a dream of Blake’s. He grew up on Stitt Road and remembers when Monclova crews responded to his house for an out-of-control bonfire. After putting it out, they let him climb into the fire truck—a moment that stuck with him and helped shape his future.

Favorite firehouse meal?
Anything Mike puts on the smoker.

Off the job you’ll find him:
Spending time with his son, working out at the gym, or attending class.

Favorite part of the job:
Blake says his perspective has evolved over time. While he once focused on fighting fires, he now finds a strong passion in EMS—especially being on the ambulance and helping Monclova Township residents in their time of need.

👏 Thank you, Blake, for your dedication and commitment to serving the Monclova community!

Ending property tax in Ohio isn’t just policy… it’s public safety. Property taxes are the backbone of fire & EMS funding...
04/05/2026

Ending property tax in Ohio isn’t just policy… it’s public safety.

Property taxes are the backbone of fire & EMS funding—staffing, stations, equipment, and training. Take that away without a solid replacement, and the consequences are real: fewer responders, longer response times, and lives on the line.

When you call 911, you expect help fast. That only happens when services are properly funded.

⚠️ Public safety is not optional.
⚠️ Seconds matter.
⚠️ Plan carefully. Fund emergency services fully.









MEMBER MONDAYThis week we are proud to introduce Paramedic Kaleigh Betzer, currently assigned to A-Shift at Monclova Tow...
03/30/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we are proud to introduce Paramedic Kaleigh Betzer, currently assigned to A-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & Rescue.

Kaleigh began her career with Williams County EMS in 2018 before joining Monclova Township Fire Department in October of 2024. She holds certifications as a Paramedic and Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, bringing both experience and a passion for education to the department.

🚑 What inspired you to become a paramedic?
I’ve always had a deep love for healthcare. As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a nurse, but what really caught my eye was the ambulance in my hometown. During my final year of high school, I signed up for an EMT-B course—and I was hooked!

❤️ Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
The people. The residents are kind and appreciative, and my coworkers truly care about each other—it really feels like a team and a family.

🍽️ Favorite firehouse meal?
Anything A-Shift Chef Cook makes… minus BLTs.

🌎 Off the job you’ll find her:
Spending time with friends and family or taking a spontaneous trip somewhere new.

👩‍⚕️ Favorite part of the job:
Every day is different. I enjoy not only teaching, but also continuously learning new things!

👏 Thank you, Kaleigh, for your dedication and commitment to serving the Monclova community!

MEMBER MONDAYThis week we are proud to introduce Firefighter/Paramedic Kiah Macy, currently assigned to B-Shift at Moncl...
03/23/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we are proud to introduce Firefighter/Paramedic Kiah Macy, currently assigned to B-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & Rescue.

Kiah, a graduate of the University of Akron, joined Monclova Township Fire Department as a part-time member in July of 2024 and transitioned to full-time in February of 2025. She began her fire service career with Waterville Fire Department in August of 2023 before bringing her dedication and passion to Monclova.

🚒 What inspired you to become a firefighter?
When I was younger, my father was a volunteer firefighter for a short period of time. But it wasn’t until I was in college studying Early Childhood Education that I realized I truly wanted to be part of the fire service. It was a challenging process both physically and mentally, but it was all worth it to get to where I am today!

❤️ Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
My favorite part about working for Monclova Township is definitely the community that I help serve — it’s like no other!

🍽️ Favorite firehouse meal?
Not to toot my own horn, but I usually cook all the firehouse meals on my shift… so you’ll have to ask them which one’s the best!

🎨 Off the job you’ll find her:
Knitting or doing anything crafty, at the gym, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

👨‍🚒 Favorite part of the job:
Getting to work alongside great friends while serving a community we all love. A 24-hour shift may seem long, but time flies when you’re having fun!

👏 Thank you, Kiah, for your dedication and service to Monclova Township!

MEMBER MONDAYThis week we’re proud to introduce Firefighter/EMT Josh Stagner, currently assigned to C-Shift at Monclova ...
03/16/2026

MEMBER MONDAY

This week we’re proud to introduce Firefighter/EMT Josh Stagner, currently assigned to C-Shift at Monclova Township Fire & EMS and serving as Secretary/Treasurer for IAFF Local 5450.

Josh began his fire service career with Lake Township Fire Department in 2003 and Perrysburg City Fire Department as a part-time firefighter in 2009, before joining Monclova Township in 2022. He currently holds certifications as a Firefighter, EMT-B, Fire and Emergency Services Instructor, and Live Fire Instructor.

1️⃣ What inspired you to become a firefighter?
During my teenage years, I was actively involved in the Boy Scouts, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Our troop was sponsored by the Millbury Fire Association, and after experiencing their support firsthand, I felt compelled to give back to the community that had invested in us. That commitment led me to join the fire service. What began as a way to serve quickly grew into a deep appreciation for the brotherhood and sense of purpose within the fire service. More than twenty years later, that same dedication continues to drive me.

2️⃣ Favorite part about working for Monclova Township?
The greatest part of working for Monclova Township is the people—both the dedicated employees and the supportive residents. It’s rare to find a workplace and a community that consistently bring out the best in one another, and Monclova Township truly offers the best of both.

3️⃣ Favorite firehouse meal?
Many of the meals at the firehouse are excellent, but what I value most is sitting down as a shift and sharing real-life experiences. Those conversations—mixed with a little joking around—bring us together and help us support one another. The kitchen table is where we connect, learn, and, in our own way, solve the world’s problems.

4️⃣ Off the job you will find Josh:
Outside of the job, you’ll usually find me running my four kids to the various activities they’re involved in and spending quality time with my family. In the winter, I enjoy curling, and in the summer I love camping and swimming in the pool.

5️⃣ Favorite part of the job?
One of the most rewarding parts of this job is the opportunity to teach and learn alongside people who truly love the fire service and are passionate about the work we do. That level of dedication is rare today, and I genuinely believe we have something special here at Monclova Township.

Thank you, Josh, for your dedication and service to our community! 🚒

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03/14/2026

Happy 173rd Birthday, Monclova Township. You're looking good! This is an actual postcard sent from Monclova approximately 1912 era. Love the humor!

Address

4395 Albon Road
Monclova, OH
43542

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