Medina Fire Department adds 3 new firefighters

MEDINA — Hiring new firefighters is a constant process for Medina fire Chief Bob Painter. Painter added three new members Wednesday when they were sworn in by Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell at City Hall. The newcomers are Timothy Franko, Matthew Hollenbeck and Roland Scott. Painter said there is a 15 percent turnover every year due to attrition or transfers, but there are now 45 firefighters in the department, all part-time. The only full-time staffers are Painter, Assistant Chief Mark Crumley and Operations Captain Steve Ingersol. The chief said three more firefighters will be added next week after they get their physicals. "Then if we're up around 50, we'll be happy," Painter said. "That will give us a cushion with vacations." The new firefighters need to live within a three- to four-mile radius from any of the Medina fire stations. One of the new firefighters, Hollenbeck, is a 25-year veteran of the Cleveland Fire Department. "We love to add a guy with that kind of depth and experience," Painter said of Hollenbeck. Franko also works with the Parma Fire Department. His father, Mike, worked with Broadview Heights fire. "When I worked in North Royalton, we'd work in mutual aid together (with Mike Franko)," Painter said. The third firefighter, Scott, recently graduated from the fire academy. All firefighters need to be certified with a Level 2 card, Painter said. Painter said the trial to have firefighters on staff overnight was postponed until at least January, and that he didn't know at the time which way Medina Township was leaning as to whether it was going to renew its fire contract with Medina city. The overnight trial was supposed to start Nov. 8, but never got off the ground. Painter said he will be "hammering out" a new contract with Medina Township Trustee Chuck Johnson in the near future. The township's fire contract expires Dec. 31. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.