Today’s personnel spotlight features Assistant Chief, Howard McComas. Howie joined the department as a junior firefighter in 1982, spent time away in the Navy, and in 1990 received his volunteer fire card. Howie is in charge of fleet maintenance, and has a vast knowledge regarding all the apparatus at the department. He spends many hours a week setting up pump testing, oil changes, and maintenance, making sure the fleet is running properly.

Along with his position at the Rittman Fire Department, Howie recently was promoted to Sergeant at the Rittman Police Department where he’s been employed for the past 18 years. Howie resides in Rittman with his wife of 30 years, Sharla, and has two adult children, Alexandrea and Zachary. The family also has 2 cats: Sampson and Oliver. In his spare time, Howie enjoys collecting 1/18^th scale airplanes, and is often seen driving his 1968 Camero around town.

Howie states his most memorable memory with the department is during his younger years as a junior during the Rock-a-thon’s, where they raised money for new equipment. He often reminisces about the “good old days,” where they could ride on the tailboard and sit in the open jump seats of Old Engine 58.

He tells the story about responding to the All Creature’s Lodge years ago for a fire alarm when the Assistant Chief at the time, Jeff Steese, walked right into the dog pool in the dark. Needless to say, he got wet, and the crew had a story to tell for years to come. Howie states there is a thrill that comes with any fire, but there is a true realization of the aftermath that fire can cause.

Howie tells anyone whom is interested in joining the fire and ems service, “gain as much knowledge as you can, don’t let fear guide you.”

Howard and his team members pride themselves on the quality of care they provide for their community. Join them at Rittman Fire and Rescue!