Brunswick Hills taking applications for full-time fire chief

BRUNSWICK HILLS TWP. — Brunswick Hills began its search for its next fire chief by taking applications. Trustee Tony Destro said the township's fire chief will now be a full-time position. It was determined the role encompassed too much work for it to only be part-time, and the department's firefighters wanted a full-time chief, so different shifts can meet with the chief. "Our township's growing," he said. "It might not be 100 percent necessary to have a full-time chief, but it's really getting close. We think it's the best route, so he can guide the fire department into the next steps." The application and full job description is available at brunswickhillstwp.org. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, professional resume and copies of all required certification by June 5. The documents can be submitted in-person at town hall at 1918 Pearl Road, by email jriffle@brunswickhillstwp.org to or by mail to 1918 Pearl Road, Brunswick, OH 44212. After June 5, the township will review the applications, determine who meets all the requirements and choose the best group, Destro said. Then, the township probably will use a service where people in the field interview candidates as part of an oral exam. Candidates will also be given hypothetical scenarios and asked how they would handle the situation by coming up with a plan, he said. "Then they see their leadership ability and if they can articulate their process well," Destro said. "It also shows if they're good at talking because it's going to be a very out in the community position. They're going to be meeting a lot of people. They'll be the face of the department, so we want him to have a good personality and be able to talk to people." Former Fire Chief Anthony Strazzo resigned from the position in January after serving the township for more than a decade. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.