After several major changes involving the Hiram Fire Department in recent months, residents from Hiram Township and Village have a chance to gather to ask questions about Fire and EMS coverage in their communities. The event takes place on Monday, May 4th at 7 pm at the Hiram Christian Church.
On April 13th, Hiram Mayor Anne Haynam announced that Anthony Marotta was named interim fire chief. “Chief Marotta has a strong background in emergency services, policy development, training coordination, and organizational stabilization,” Mayor Haynam shared. “He is committed to providing reliable, community-focused leadership, which is exactly what we need to rebuild our fire and EMS department.” Marotta has worked as a firefighter and paramedic for 30 years and is currently a lieutenant with the Aurora Fire Department.
Interim Chief Marotta attended the last Hiram Township meeting, which according to Township Trustee Jack Groselle, was the best-attended meeting in the last five years. Many residents were present to ask questions and voice their concerns about changes in Fire and EMS services in the Township. In addition, that evening, Dan Ellenberger was sworn in as Trustee, filling a spot vacated by Trustee Debra Blake, who stepped down for health reasons.
Ellenberger is a lifetime resident of Hiram Township who served as Hiram Fire Chief for many years. He’s currently the Director of Critical Care Transport (Air & Ground) for University Hospitals. He and his wife raised six children and have 11 grandchildren. “We’re pleased to have Dan as Trustee,” Groselle noted. “It’s great to have someone with his vast experience serving our community.” Portage County Municipal Court Judge Melissa Roubic conducted the swearing in that evening.
Ellenberger recommended a colleague, retired fire chief George Brown, to serve as a mediator at the joint meeting on May 4th. Residents from Hiram Village and Township are encouraged to attend.
