Garrettsville’s first responders were honored this past weekend as the Grand Marshals for the 2018 Garrettsville Summerfest Parade. Although they only recognized the chiefs of each department — Fire, EMS and Police — on stage, homage was paid to all of those who served the community.
The Garrettsville Fire Department was established in 1888 and became a joint district in 1982. The current chief is David Friess. Friess is originally from Ravenna and joined the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Joint Fire District in 1996. During that time, he has served the community in various positions such as Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Chief of the department. Prior to becoming chief, he served on Community EMS and Hiram Fire Department.
When Friess isn’t serving his community, he likes to ride his snowmobile, camp and spend time with his family. The chief is married to Lorraine Hartman Friess and they have two children, Mason and Gavin. They make their home in Freedom Township.
Community EMS serves the Garrettsville area and has been in service since its inception in 1981. The current chief is Chris Sanchez and he has been at the helm since April 2009 after serving as interim Chief from November 2008. Sanchez started at Community EMS in 2003 and in 2006 was promoted to captain, before being named interim chief, then chief.
Sanchez said it’s a rewarding job, especially after seeing someone on one of their worst days of their life, then seeing them later in town and they’re healthy again. The worst parts of the job are the tragedies and the paperwork. That being said, the good far outweighs the bad.
Sanchez resides in Garrettsville Village with his wife Amber, two sons, Cade and Cruz. They are expecting their third child in July. When Sanchez is off the clock, he can be found coaching T-Ball, taking day trips and spending time with his family.
The Garrettsville Police Department moved to its current location on High Street in the mid 1970’s, had been serving the community prior to that time, and continues to do so. The department has 10 officers and one administrative assistant.
The current Chief of Police is Tim Christopher. Christopher has been with the department since 1991. He graduated from the Police Academy held at Hiram College and was recruited to Garrettsville by former Police Chief Roger Norton who was an instructor for the academy at that time.
Christopher said even though he grew up in the Mantua area, he chose to start his career in Garrettsville. He likes the community and says “It’s more like a family than a community.” Since being with the police department, Christopher has served the village in various capacities within the department, such as patrolman. He implemented the K-9 unit, was later promoted to sergeant, then lieutenant, and now chief. Chief Christopher just took over the helm on April 25, 2018. He said he is getting adjusted to his new responsibilities and enjoys serving in the close-knit community.
Christopher resides in Mantua Township with his wife Dianna and their two daughters.
The three chiefs were recognized during Opening Ceremonies and were given plaques to hang in each of their stations. Unfortunately, duty called for Chief Friess and he was unable to make the ceremony but received his plaque later. All three led the grand parade on Sunday.
Summerfest Awards
Garrettsville Idol
- Youth Winner: Aby Seiler
- Youth People’s Choice Winner: Adrien Hunter
- Teen Winner: Cheyenne Head
- Teen People’s Choice Winner: Elizabeth O’ Bryant
- Adult Winner: Aimee Beelen
- Adult People’s Choice Winner: Jayana Davenport
Pie Baking Contest
- Best Overall: Iva Walker
- Best Cream: Stephen Murphy
- Best Fruit: Lavern Johns
- Most Original: Hannah Bittence
Ice Cream Eating Contest
- Under 5: May Bayne
- 6-8: Crewe Paulin
- 9-11: Mason Streets
- 12-14: Savannah Wolffe
- 15+: Elijah Southern
Friends of Melana 5k
Event awards not listed were not turned in by event organizer.
