Former Seville-Guilford Fire Chief Brian Cyphert sworn in as new assistant fire chief for Brunswick

BRUNSWICK — Brian Cyphert is filling the assistant fire chief position at the Brunswick Division of Fire after being sworn in by Brunswick Mayor Ron Falconi on Monday. Cyphert has 22.5 years of experience at the Coventry Fire Department, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant. He has been the chief at the Seville-Guilford Fire Department for the last 2.5 years. "I'm really excited about the opportunity," he said. "I'm really excited to work with everybody in the city." Chief Greg Glauner said Cyphert was one out of 11 candidates for the position, and he was selected because he embodies leadership rooted in service and is committed to excellence. "Brian understands that leadership isn't about titles or authority," he said. "It's about inspiring those around you, expecting the best from your team and supporting their success when they achieve it." The role of the assistant chief is to support, mentor and lead by example, Glauner said. The assistant chief should also create a culture of teamwork, trust and respect. "(It's about) serving the brave men, and one day soon, the brave women of the division, who run toward danger and serve the community that relies on them," he said. "I have every confidence in you, Brian, that you will carry out these responsibilities with dedication, with integrity and with humility." Russ Merhaut previously held the role of assistant chief at the Brunswick Division of Fire, and he left the role due to retirement. At the Seville-Guilford Fire Department, Assistant Chief Jim Carter will serve as the interim chief until a permanent chief is selected, Cyphert said. "Seville gave me an amazing opportunity to meet a lot of really good people," he said. "We really developed a new culture in Seville and created a really strong team there. That allowed me to be successful in the process for the city of Brunswick." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.