Middleport Fire Dept

10/08/2026

10/01/2026

We are so proud of Middleport Fire Dept FF/ EMT Emily Shank on her Daisy Award!

Congratulations to Emily Shank, BSN, RN, CEN, Emergency Department Charge Nurse, on receiving The DAISY Award®!

Emily was recognized for going above and beyond for a patient during a frightening and uncertain medical situation. After completing a 12-hour shift, Emily stepped in to help ensure the patient could be safely transferred to another facility when transportation wait times were long. Her dedication didn’t end there. Days later, Emily followed up with the patient to see how they were doing.

Emily’s compassion, selflessness and commitment to her patients truly embody the spirit of The DAISY Award®. We are proud to celebrate Emily and the meaningful difference she makes in the lives of those she cares for. Read the full article here: https://www.holzer.org/about/newsroom/2026/holzer-recognizes-daisy-recipient/

09/28/2026

In support of the 2-mil levy for fire protection in Middleport on the ballot November 3rd, I want to share the following information.

Need for the levy
The current 2-mil levy was passed in 1982 and is based on property values at that time. This levy will expire in 2027 and the new levy would replace it. The new levy, based on current property values, would more than double the amount of income generated, from $24,675 to $55,046. To illustrate the need for additional funds, here is one example. In 1982 a new pumper truck could be purchased for $100,000. Today that same apparatus costs over $1,000,000, a tenfold increase. The increase doesn't apply only to trucks, everything that is required to operate the fire department shows a similar rate of increase in price.

What will this cost the property owner
Based on a current market property value of $100,000, the annual tax will be $70.00 or $5.83 per month. This is an increase of $46.23 annually over the expiring levy. With the current levy running through 2027, the increase would not be seen until 2028.

Trying to operate with 1982 dollars is becoming nearly impossible in 2026. All off the money generated by the levy will be used exclusively for equipment, maintenance, and operating costs for the department, and cannot be used for anything other than fire protection. Our citizens have always shown their support at the ballot box, and for this, you have our eternal gratitude. Please let your support continue this November 3rd, since in the end, the benefit is for you.

Jeff Darst
Fire Chief

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09/28/2026

09/21/2026

At approximately 12:59 a.m., the Middleport Fire Department responded to multiple flooded areas throughout Salisbury Township to assist the Pomeroy Fire Department with water rescue operations.

Rescue 17, Brush 18, Boat 10, and Boat 11 responded to the affected areas. Middleport crews conducted rescues on Long Hollow Road, Avenue Bridge Road, and Collins Road, where residents were rescued from flooded homes and a camper.

Throughout the incident, 10 civilians were safely rescued by Middleport Fire Department units.

All Middleport units have since cleared the incident and returned to quarters.

We remind everyone to use extreme caution around flooded roadways and flooded areas. Never attempt to drive through floodwater — Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

09/14/2026

07/25/2026

We still have chicken! Come and get it!

07/24/2026

Thank You to Lee Richards and Riverside Auto for donating, delivering, and picking up these cars for us to train.

07/24/2026

Recently, the Middleport Fire Department was awarded a grant to purchase a new set of battery-powered rescue tools. These state-of-the-art tools allow our firefighters to begin vehicle extrication operations more quickly by eliminating the need for hydraulic hoses and power units, helping us get to trapped patients faster when every second counts.

The new battery-powered rescue tools will be carried on Rescue 17, while our dependable hydraulic rescue tools will remain in service on Ladder 16, ensuring we have capable extrication equipment available on multiple apparatus.

Tonight, our members trained with both sets of rescue tools during a vehicle extrication drill. Regular hands-on training ensures our firefighters remain proficient with the equipment and are prepared to respond safely and effectively when the community needs us most.

We are grateful for the grant funding that made this equipment possible and remain committed to providing the highest level of service to the citizens of Middleport and our surrounding communities.

06/11/2026

The Middleport Fire Department has recently received multiple inquiries about filling swimming pools.

While we are always proud to serve and assist our community, we are unable to provide pool-filling services. Filling a swimming pool requires a significant amount of water, fuel, equipment usage, and manpower that must remain available for emergency response.

For perspective, a 24-foot circular swimming pool can hold over 13,000 gallons of water. Our fire apparatus carries approximately 1,000 gallons per load, meaning numerous trips would be required to fill a single pool. This places unnecessary wear and tear on our equipment and reduces our availability to respond to emergencies.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we remain focused on our primary mission: protecting the lives and property of the citizens we serve.

Thank you,
Middleport Fire Department