Blake Freeman is the newest member of the Terrace Park Volunteer Fire Department after the village council confirmed his appointment on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Mayor Thomas M. Tepe Jr. nominated Freeman under Ohio Revised Code provisions that allow the mayor to appoint volunteer fire department members with council's consent. The council approved the appointment through Resolution 9-1, 2026, waiving the standard three-reading requirement to finalize it in a single session.

The council used the same fast-track procedure when it confirmed Sofia Billups to the department on June 23.

Freeman joins a department that can carry up to 30 firefighters under an ordinance the council passed in January 2025. Fire Chief George Heffner was appointed by Mayor Tepe and confirmed by council that same month.

The department has been expanding its rescue capabilities. At the June 23 meeting, Heffner reported that Terrace Park Fire Association donations funded the purchase of an inflatable rescue boat and water rescue equipment. Members were set to receive swift water rescue training and certification, according to council records.

Katie Lyons, the village clerk, certified that the resolution was posted for the required 15-day period ending Sept. 24.