This week’s personnel spotlight features Firefighter, Anthony “Tony” Howard. Tony joined Rittman Fire in 2015. Tony was also a member of Orrville Fire Department for 3 years prior to Rittman.

Tony resides in Rittman with his wife of 10 years, Amanda, and his three boys Jase, 8, Jake, 6, and James, 4. The family also has a cat named Cupcake. Even though spare time is hard to find, Tony enjoys spending time with his family and watching his boys grow. 

Through all his years on the department and so many memories made, Tony said, his most memorable experience with the department is responding to a barn fire on the 4th of July, where he and his team could see fireworks being set off in the distant night sky. Tony has a lot of humor that adds laughter to the department. He enjoys sharing funny stories, especially the story about doing a split in his bunker gear after sliding on ice caused by port-a-tanks during the winter months on a fire. Although Rittman houses yellow fire engines, Tony states he secretly likes red trucks.  

Advice Tony would suggest to anyone that is interested in entering the Fire/EMS service is to check out the Wayne County Regional Training Facility and see what they have to offer.

Tony and his team members pride themselves on the quality of care they provide for their patients. Join them at Rittman Fire and Rescue!https://www.rittmanfire.com/join/