This week’s spotlight features Assistant Chief, Fire Medic, Kyle McDonald. Kyle joined Rittman Fire in 1995. Throughout the years he has been promoted through the ranks from firefighter to captain to assistant chief. His current certifications include: Firefighter II, Paramedic, Fire Instructor, EMS Instructor, Fire Safety Inspector, and has completed Fire Officer 1 through 4 class. Kyle is also a Class 13 graduate of the Ohio Fire Executive Program and an Ohio Fire Chief Designee by the Ohio Fire Chief’s Association.  He continues his education in the fire service, and is finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science in the Spring of 2023.

Outside of working for Rittman Fire, Kyle also worked for Medina Life Support Team for 14 years.  He currently holds a fulltime position at Summa Barberton Hospital in the ER.

His most memorable experience was in 2012 when the department came together as a family during the 100-year Celebration.

Kyle lives in Rittman with his wife of 12 years, Kimberly. He shares his passion for the fire department with his two sons David, 13, and Landon, 10. The family also has a dog named Bigsley and a cat named Maggie. You’ll never see Kyle driving around in a dirty vehicle. In fact, in his spare time he enjoys car detailing along with yard work, and trail riding in his recently purchased side-by-side.

Advice Kyle would give to anyone wanting to enter the Fire/EMS service: “Be prepared to sacrifice a lot of personal time and commitment.” He also adds, “Never stop learning. Continue furthering your education with any available opportunity. With every opportunity, it can make you a better fire fighter and/or EMT.”

Kyle 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/