Columbia adds full-time firefighters

COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP — The Columbia Township Fire Department is up to seven full-time firefighters. Township Trustee Mark Cunningham swore in six full-time firefighters to the burgeoning department Monday evening, including one part-timer who has been with the department for 23 years. Capt. Gerald Peters spent the last decade as a lieutenant with the mostly part-time department, but Monday marked a step into a new role with the fire service. Others, like new recruit Ariel Haun, joined the department to follow, in part, in her grandfather's footsteps. Assistant Fire Chief Craig Heidinger read statements each new full-timer wrote to answer why they became a firefighter, and why they chose to serve Columbia Township during Monday's brief ceremony at the fire station. For Haun, her grandfather's service with the Brook Park Police Department sparked her own commitment to serve her community. "I had family that lived in Columbia, and I want to be able to serve and protect my family and the township (where) I live," Heidinger read from Haun. "I also prefer a short commute to work." Others, like Joe DiVencenzo, came from neighboring departments. DiVencenzo worked at the Grafton Village Fire Department — and saw members of its department come to support his swearing-in. Heidinger reminded those in attendance that the commitment they undertook by accepting the badge and helmet that evening was one undertaken by their whole families. "They're not going to be there on holidays, they're not going to be there for birthdays, they're going to miss weekend events," Heidinger said, noting the station itself is a family and invited the loved ones of its recruits — new and old alike — to visit the station whenever they are able. Fire Chief Ray Anthony said Monday's swearing-in marked the next step for its department. About a year ago, Columbia added three full-time firefighters to its ranks. Two of those men have since moved on to other departments, he said, so Monday's ceremony brings the department's total full-time staff to seven and its part-time staff to 33. In 2023, and earlier this year, voters supported levy renewals with increases to support the department. Anthony hopes to bring the department's number of full-time firefighters up to 10 in the next couple of years to keep up with the township's growth. "Our job is to do the best we can for the community," Anthony said. Sworn in as full-time firefighter/paramedics on Monday were: Peters, Haun, DiVencenzo, Brandon Hayner, Carson Hengst and Garrett Overy. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.