About the Department

Township Services


Worthington Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was previously the Sharon Township Fire Department. In Ohio, the state was originally divided into numerous six-mile-by-six-mile tracts known as townships. Over the years, most of these townships have been annexed as cities have developed. Ours is no exception.

In the mid-1990s, the City of Worthington became responsible for funding Fire Department service through the income taxes it collects. Previously, as a township, we were funded through property taxes and levies. This change afforded the community with some financial benefits. In short, we're still providing service to the same geographic areas that we had been serving prior to the change. In fact, a neighboring township was recently annexed by a more distant city. Several areas of that township nearer to our station were not annexed and are now served by our organization.
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Fire Suppression & Rescue Services


Our crews respond to over 5,000 incidents annually. Approximately two-thirds of these responses are EMS or Rescue assistance calls. Other types of calls include structure fires, highway accidents, hazardous material releases, carbon monoxide checks, alarm drops and other assorted calls. Typically, a fire crew will respond to about six calls per shift, this is between checking equipment, caring for the station, training, educating and inspecting buildings.

All of our emergency response members work a 24-on/48-off shift. This means they work one 24-hour shift and then are off-duty for 48 hours. Three rotating crews provide coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year - no exceptions. We're there for you at all times.

Automatic Response


In central Ohio, most departments participate in an automatic response program. This program has worked well for many decades, assuring the closest equipment is dispatched to an emergency regardless of jurisdiction. Area departments work under common procedures, facilitating effective fire ground operations. This program also saves tax dollars by reducing redundant services. Departments rely on each other for assistance with large-scale incidents.