Opening the door for a female takes on a new meaning in the 21st century — especially for women like Dorothy Battles.
Opening the door for a female takes on a new meaning in the 21st century — especially for women like Dorothy Battles.
But Fire Chief Danny Robison’s resignation after 58 years of service to the Thompson Township Fire Department (see sidebar) indeed opened quite an historical door for Battles, who will now serve as the township’s first female fire chief.
Battles — whom Thompson Township Trustees appointed as the new fire chief at their Jan. 6 meeting — will also be the first person who is not a Robison to lead the department in over 100 years. Preceding Danny Robison was his father, Paul Robison, who served for over 70 years.
“We are so proud of our daughter,” said Battles’ parents, Dennis and Jane Battles, who were present at her swearing-in ceremony. “She has worked so hard and loves to serve her hometown community.”
Battles started with the fire department in 1997 as an EMT, but soon learned she would be required to be a firefighters, as well.
Although Battles, a Thompson Township resident, brings many certifications to the new job, she was trained by Danny Robison, who promoted her to the ranks of lieutenant, captain and, eventually, assistant fire chief.
Her training and certifications include firefighter II, HAZMAT technician, paramedic, certified fire safety inspector, arson investigator, certified flight paramedic and coroner investigation, she said.
In April, Battles will complete her certification as an Ohio fire executive, a leadership program sponsored by the Oho Fire and Emergency Services Foundation. This is a master’s level class with 260 graduates statewide and Battles is a self-pay student of the program, she said.
“No matter who you are – male or female, young or old – as long as you have the backing of the people you work with, you will be successful,” said Battles, when asked about becoming the township’s first female fire chief.
Early on in her fire career, Battles received mentoring from Bainbridge Township Fire Chief Lou Ann Metz. Metz has long served within upper echelon of area departments and serves as faculty of the state leadership program.
“Dorothy is the epitome of public service,” Metz said. “She does not give service for the money, but rather for the development of others and to serve her community. She will be a breath of fresh air in developing the department without letting go of the traditions of the past. She speaks very fondly of the outgoing chief.”
Newly-appointed Assistant Fire Chief Paul Burger is also highly supportive of Battles.
“I’m incredibly happy she got promoted,” said Burger, who, prior to serving the last year in Thompson, served as a firefighter and EMT for Montville Township Fire Department since 2001. “I think this will mean we can move forward toward making more progress for the future.”
According to both Battles and Burger, their focus will be on bringing more personnel into the fold, with special emphasis on daytime staffing.
“The day of volunteer staffing is quickly disappearing,” Battles said. “It is yet to be determined how to entice more young people to get involved.”
This is especially true when the former chief said firefighters are paid in Thompson only on a per call or drill basis.
Earlier in 2020, Battles rallied support for a joint fire district between Thompson and Montville townships due primarily to staffing issues. She remains dedicated to finding ways to better serve communities through collaboration and cooperation.
“In our rural areas, we will need full-time coverage and EMS support,” echoed Thompson Township Trustee Erwin “Koko” Leffel. “As our population ages, medical emergencies become more prevalent and critical. It’s good to know the proper care and coverage continues to build.”
Burger shares a similar philosophy.
“We plan to get more people involved,” he said. “We have a good core group so, hopefully, we will get more interest. We do work closely with other area departments.”
Equipment maintenance is a high priority for the department right now, Burger said, adding Thompson’s personal protective equipment is well maintained and the mechanical equipment is current.
“We have the best interest of the safety and tax dollars of the community in mind,” he said. “It is important to stretch those dollars as best we can.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 65% of fire departments in the U.S. are all volunteer. Representation of women firefighters is only 9% of personnel.
The Thompson Township Fire Department meets each week on Tuesday nights for discussion, training, and updates. Meetings are held at the fire hall and the public is welcome to bring any concerns to those meetings.
