COLUMBIA TWP., Ohio — A Lorain County community is hoping to get ahead of possible growing pains. As Columbia Township’s population booms, its fire department is also expanding.

“We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve to protect the people in the community,” said fire chief Ray Anthony.

Over the chief’s nearly 50-year tenure, he said he’s watched the department evolve.

“When we were totally volunteer, you just crossed your fingers and hoped someone would show up when the call cam out,” he recalled.

A GROWING FIRE DEPARTMENT

The staff went from volunteer to part-time. Then, in 2022, voters approved a levy to authorize the township to hire its first full-time firefighter/paramedic. In October 2024, three full-time members joined the ranks. Two of those people have since left for other

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