How to Go
What: German Twp. Fire & EMS open house
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 16
Where: German Twp. Fire Station, 3940 Lawrenceville Drive
Showing no signs of slowing down after 40 years of firefighting, German Twp. Fire Chief Tim Holman is helping fund an open house to honor the people of the community he serves.
But Holman is quick to point out that the open house, to be held 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 16 at German Twp. Fire Station is not about him. It’s a thank you to the community for showing its support by voting for the renewal of levies or for just dropping food off at the station.
“The open house is for them, not me; I never would’ve made it 40 years without their support,” Holman said.
In his four decades with the fire department, Holman has seen changes to fire equipment and its increased cost. For example, the trucks are bigger and come equipped with computers with better safety for the crew.
“Our first engine cost $40,000 and our last one cost $300,000,” he said.
Even though there have been increases, Holman has never asked for new taxes to pay for equipment.
“If I don’t have to, I don’t want to ask for more money,” he said.
Holman is highly regarded as a very caring and passionate person when it comes to being an paramedic, firefighter and instructor.
“He has saved a lot lives and helped a lot of people,” said Rodney Kaffenbarger, president of the German Twp. trustees. “I don’t have anything but good things to say about Tim.”
Holman grew up in the community he serves.
“When you grow up here, you know the people you’re doing CPR on,” Holman said. “There’s good in lots of ways but bad when you’re trying to save them and you can’t.”
On a brighter note he has delivered nine babies.
“I want to deliver one more before I retire so I have 10 total,” Holman said. He has gotten to sign the birth certificates of a couple of the babies he has delivered.
Outside of the department, he’s written and co-authored three books and spent time teaching other fire organizations.
“I’ve taught at other EMS and fire organizations in 42 states,” Holman said.
He was part of the first graduating paramedic class of paramedics from Clark State Community College.
“I think I’m the only person still practicing out of the class,” Holman said.
In 2002, Fire Chief magazine named him Fire Chief of the Year.
“That was a big thing because they look at every chief in the country,” Holman said.
Holman isn’t ready for retirement.
“I’m not done because I still want to provide a service to the community,” he said.
Donations from Holman and the German Twp. Volunteer Firemen’s Association will pay for the open house.
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