LIMA, OH (WLIO) - A 25-year veteran at the Lima Fire Department now becomes the station's chief and is ready to take the helm.
Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith gave the oath of office to Deputy Chief Jack McDermitt, surrounded by his family, for the position of the City of Lima's fire chief.
Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith gave the oath of office to Deputy Chief Jack McDermitt, surrounded by his family, for the position of the City of Lima's fire chief.
He started his career as a firefighter in 1999 and moved up the ranks. He says becoming chief wasn't a goal he set for himself, but learning from other leaders and Chief Andy Heffner, he was inspired to move toward leadership positions within the department, and he hopes to continue to take the department forward.
He will officially take on his duties upon Chief Andy Heffner's retirement this Friday, September 20th.
"My biggest aspirations and goals are continuing the work that we started under Chief Heffner. He got the ball rolling for a new station, like to renovate Central Station also. Just to continue with all the work that he started and continuously grow with the community," said Chief Jack McDermitt, incoming Lima Fire Chief.
McDermitt became the city's 20th fire chief since its inception as a full-time department in 1893.
McDermitt says the new software that is being implemented will assist in shortening the time needed for clerical duties and will free up officers to get back out into the community to do walk-throughs and inspections. He will officially take on his duties upon Chief Andy Heffner's retirement this Friday, September 20th. McDermitt became the city's 20th fire chief since its inception as a full-time department in 1893.
