FIRE DEPARTMENT Steven Holtzman, Fire Chief
steven.holtzman@beachwoodohio.com
216.292.1965
By The Numbers • Number of Calls 5,467 • Fire Calls 1,111 (86 Mutual-Aid to Other Cities) • Emergency Medical Calls 4,285 (114 Mutual-Aid to Other Cities) • Motor Vehicle Accidents 128 • Motor Vehicle Fires 4 • SWAT Calls Outside City 53 • Technical Rescue Calls Outside City 12 • Hazmat Calls Outside City 3 • Building Fires Within City 3 • Building Fires Outside City 24 • Fire Investigation Calls 3
New Assistant Fire Chief
Matthew J. Domonkos (pictured) was promoted to the position of Assistant Fire Chief on August 28, 2023. He began his fire career in 1988 as a Cadet with the Russell Fire Department. Matthew was initially hired by Beachwood in 2003 after serving the City of Cleveland from 1999-2003 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2011.
Equipment Upgrades & Replacements • Battery-Powered Hydraulic Tools: The Beachwood Fire Department replaced aging gasoline-powered hydraulic extrication equipment with new Holmatro battery-powered extrication equipment. The old tools were limited by the length of the hoses with longer setup times at emergency scenes. The new tools are independent and not tied back to a heavy hydraulic pump. These tools are immediately ready for operation, with no delay at emergency scenes. • Cardiac Monitors: Two monitors were replaced with next generation Lifepak 15 monitors. • Additional AEDs: The Fire Department oversees the city’s Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). The city purchased four additional AEDs and cabinets that will be located at the city’s tennis and pickleball courts, City Park East, City Park West and the new playground. This brings the city’s AED total to 24, including 12 units located in police vehicles, allowing for rapid deployment throughout the community. • New Ladder Truck: The department also finalized the build of a new 110’ ladder truck through Pierce Manufacturing. Final inspection was scheduled for late December 2023, prior to establishing a 2024 delivery date. • Park Rescue Vehicle: In 2023, the department replaced its 18-year-old 2-wheel drive Club Car park rescue vehicle with a new 4-wheel drive Kawaski mule park rescue vehicle. This vehicle will allow access to areas of the city that are difficult to reach with our normal emergency vehicles. Joint Drone Team During 2023, the Beachwood Fire Department ushered in a joint venture with the Beachwood Police Department to create a drone team with an expected launch date in 2024 for new team members. This team can be deployed to assist in emergency operations for both city emergency services. The joint drone venture illustrates the city’s dedication to top-notch safety services with the use of cutting-edge technology and the latest industry tools.
Personnel at an Aerial Truck Operations course in November 2023.
A demonstration held during the Fire Department Open House. Photography by Discovery Photo.
City of Beachwood
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