Lakewood Fire, FBI To Train Together

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood fire crews will provide emergency medical services to the FBI during tactical events and training scenarios. The partnership between the fire department and the bureau was finalized this week, when Mayor Meghan George signed a memorandum of understanding.

“Proactive, innovative training agreements like this one are what will enable Lakewood’s first responders to provide the best possible service to Lakewood residents and our neighbors,” said George. “It is imperative that we seize these opportunities now to ensure the proper protection of our residents and critical infrastructure in the future.”

The FBI will specifically partner with Lakewood's Fire Rescue Task Force, which was started in 2006. The training with the FBI will focus on the team's work with law enforcement and their ability to provide immediate medical assessments and assistance. Every member of the Lakewood Fire Department is trained to take part in the Fire Rescue Task Force.

“This agreement helps to raise the level of expertise that the Lakewood Fire Department can offer residents,” said Fire Chief Tim Dunphy. “Combining our efforts like this also helps to ensure that we avoid the duplication of services, and positions Lakewood as a leader in the region.”

The FBI and Lakewood Fire Department first worked together in 2016, during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

“After seeing the response emergency incidents in public locations across the country, we knew that we needed to be prepared to respond to anything,” said Lakewood Paramedic and Lead Westshore Enforcement Bureau SWAT Team Medic Scott Russell.