Medina swears in new fire chief

MEDINA — A new Medina fire chief was sworn in Thursday before loved ones who Larry Walters said "made sacrifices" in his climb to that mantle. The city resident and nearly 30-year member of the Medina fire department was selected from a field of 34 candidates and was one of two inside the department to vie for the job. With wife Christine by his side, Walters tried to hold back emotion after being sworn in, detailing sizeable efforts from loved ones who've helped him along the way. "I really appreciate the support," Walters said. "I know many of you had work and other things you had to do today. I really appreciate you still coming here to support me. Additionally, I want to thank everyone who's reached out over the past four or five days to express their kind thoughts and encouraging words." With mask use and social distancing required, numerous law enforcement colleagues from around Medina County also stopped by city hall to say congratulations. "You've stood by me all these years," Walters told his family Thursday. "There's been so many times where we've been in the middle of dinner or some other family event that got interrupted by a fire call. Christine, I want you to know I couldn't have made it through this year without you. With everything I had going on, I know you probably felt like a single mom sometimes." "I want you guys to know I recognize your sacrifices," he told his two daughters in the audience. "You've made them over the years for me. I do appreciate it and I'm a little choked up, sorry." A final four in the search for a new chief consisted of Walters, Medina fire Capt. Steve Ingersol, Sharon Township fire Chief Rob Haas, and Twinsburg fire Capt. Gina DeVito-Staub. Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell said committee interviews carried out Feb. 17 capped the search with Walters placing first there and throughout an entire process that included written testing and oral interviews conducted by the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association. That interview committee consisted of Medina Police Chief Ed Kinney, Ward 4 Councilman Jim Shields, Medina Township Trustee Chuck Johnson, Montville Township Trustee Jeff Brandon and Hanwell. City Council will vote to confirm Walters' appointment at its next regular meeting Monday. Walters will be paid between $81,493 and $95,077 a year, according to the Medina Civil Service Commission. He started work with Medina fire in 1992 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2017 and captain two years later. The new chief will follow Bob Painter, who retired at the end of last year after 13 years in the seat, and assistant chief Mark Crumley's interim term. Since 2006, Walters has been a rescue team leader with the Medina County All-Hazards Team and later started as a lead rescue instructor since at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. He's also certified as an advanced rope rescue technician, confined space rescue technician, hazardous material operations level, tower rescue technician and FEMA special events contingency planning. "I'm truly honored and excited to lead the dedicated men and women of this fire department," Walters said. "It is you that makes this department the special place that it is and it truly is my honor. It's also my honor to serve the city of Medina, Montville Township, and Medina Township." The new chief lives in Medina with his wife and two daughters, Jami and Sophia. Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330) 721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.