Gates Mills took steps to strengthen its fire department during an Oct. 21 council meeting, swearing in a new volunteer firefighter while authorizing the solicitation of bids for a new fire engine expected to cost upwards of $1 million.
Cameron Williams took his oath of office before village council with his son Sam and Fire Chief Tom Majeski present, becoming the sixth firefighter added to the department in recent years. Williams pledged to support the constitutions of the United States and Ohio, uphold the village charter and ordinances, and faithfully discharge his duties.
Mayor Steve Siemborski praised the continued volunteerism in the community, noting the challenge of recruiting volunteer firefighters in an era when such service is less common. He highlighted the village’s ongoing efforts to strengthen safety services, which has included training several cadets who progressed to full firefighter status.
Council then unanimously authorized the fire department to solicit competitive bids for a new fire engine to replace a 1987 Pierce pumper originally purchased used from Pepper Pike. That truck has reached the end of its lifespan after nearly 40 years of service.
Majeski told council the planning process for the new engine actually began in 1994, when department leaders started designing specifications for a vehicle that would fit in the village’s small fire station, climb the area’s steep hills, and navigate tight, winding driveways characteristic of Gates Mills properties.
The village expects to send the 101-page specification package to approximately five manufacturers. Officials acknowledged the challenge of securing a spot in production queues, as only two or three major manufacturers produce fire engines nationwide and face massive backlogs from larger municipalities.
Siemborski explained that getting bids now will help the village understand costs and plan financing options, which could include leasing, installment payments, or outright purchase. The village has worked to make specifications as generic as possible while maintaining custom features necessary for Gates Mills’ unique terrain.
Assistant Fire Chief Rob Jamieson said finding a suitable used engine has proven nearly impossible. Neighboring departments are keeping their vehicles longer due to soaring costs, and recent used trucks inspected by Gates Mills officials either did not meet the village’s needs or would cost $400,000 to $500,000 while providing only 15 years of service.
The new engine is expected to last 30 to 40 years with proper maintenance. The village plans to finance the purchase over time, with payments of approximately one-third at signing, one-third when the chassis is built, and the final third upon delivery. Council will review actual bids and make the final purchase decision once proposals are received, likely in early 2026.
The Gates Mills Fire Department operates as a paid-on-call service, with members responding to emergencies from home or other locations via radio pagers. The department provides fire protection, hazardous materials response, search and rescue, and various other emergency services to approximately 2,500 residents across 8.8 square miles.
Related: Gates Mills Approves $1 Million Road Program as Pavement Scores Improve | Sidewalk Project Advances After Council Reviews Three Design Options
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