Rossford appoints the team to lead the fire department. Transition to full -time

By Jane Welch-Maiolo

Especially for the Sentinel tribune

Rossford-Rossford's move to a full-time fire brigade continues to take shape and hire a boss, deputy boss and training captain.

At the meeting on February 10, Mayor Neil Mackinnon III headed the new full-time fire chief Richard Syroka and was officially approved his annual salary of USD 105,000 by regulation.

“The city of Rossford deserves a large fire brigade,” said Syroka. “I want to make this promise to the firefighters. I'm all in there. “

For this purpose, he recommended Ron Kay for the position of the deputy fire chief and captain Greg Yingling as the training officer of the department. The Council approved both part -time positions and the boss swore them into office.

“Thank you for this opportunity to get back to the fire brigade,” said Kay. “It's something I am passionate about.”

He added: “I was enthusiastic about the planned vision. I am all for the city of Rossford. “

Yingling agreed: “We are all very excited to come here. You will do my best every day. I can promise you. “

Syroka believes that both men have an abundance of experiences.

From 2016 to 2023, Kay was fire chief for the Washington Township fire brigade.

He was also the health and security officer of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department and served from 1988 to 2022.

Yingling worked for the Toledo fire brigade for 33 years and retired in 2022. He trained many firefighters, said Syroka.

“He brings an abundance of knowledge with him, goes and listens to others. He is a great trainer, ”added the boss.

Syroka and the members of the Council commented on the interim boss Andrew Vascik for his leadership during the transition and after the resignation of Chief Josh Drouard.

“We want to thank Andrew for his time as acting chief,” said City Councilor Bob Toth.

City councilor Caroline Zuchowski-Eckel agreed. “I would like to thank Andrew for his leadership in these turbulent days.”

After a hectic year, Vascik resigns from the department in which he led Rossford when the Council discussed the merger with another fire brigade or an independent full -time department.

During this time, Vascik also worked all day for Springfield Fire Township, where he serves as a battalion chief.

After the meeting, Vascik said that he was looking forward to Rossford Fire for some time, but plans to return at some point.

The move full -time marks “a new chapter,” said city councilor Rachel Tinney:

The council members Zachary Owen and Chris Heban agreed: “I'm looking forward to the future,” said Owen and Heban added: “I am happy to see what will happen and I am glad to see us forward.”

Syroka said his first and the most important goal is the occupation and plans to have six full -time staff every day.

In a related firefighting matter, the Council changed a regulation that actually moves the department from the volunteer to full -time status.

The department will consist of a full-time fire chief, deputy fire chief, two captains and four lieutenants.

Eight full -time members and at least 10 or a maximum of 35 volunteer members are rounded off.

Syroka already wants to hire a staff and conduct interviews.

Also on barrel for the boss is the conclusion of the renovation of the fire station in order to accept additional employees.