A longtime local fire chief is receiving a statewide honor tomorrow just outside of Columbus. Bath Fire Chief Joe Kitchen has been named "Fire Officer of the Year" in Ohio.
The honor comes from the Ohio Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal's Office. Chief kitchen has overseen the growth of the department from 'all volunteer' to a combination department, new equipment and facilities, an improved public education and prevention program, and good relationships with industry, including Ford and Procter and Gamble.
Kitchen joined the Bath Fire Department in 1990, he has been chief of the department for the past ten years.
