Arson strike force celebrates 25th anniversary

YOUNGSTOWN — Twenty-five years ago, a group of men recognized a need for greater cooperation between area fire departments that were struggling to handle an onslaught of intentionally-set fires.

The Metro Arson Strike Force, which today celebrated its 25th anniversary with an event at the Western Reserve Joint Fire District’s main fire station in the village of Poland, was borne out of that need. The force, which is headquartered out of an old fire station on South Avenue, is comprised of 20-plus members who represent area fire departments.

It responds selectively, to cases such as commercial-building fires, fatal fires and fires that cause significant damage. Its purpose is to assist on cases in which local fire departments might need resources beyond what they can provide for themselves.

Two dozen or so past and present members gathered to reminisce about the force’s early years during the height of Youngstown’s high-crime era in the 1990s, as well as its growth into a cooperative, wide-ranging organization since then.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com