This weeks spotlight features AEMT/FF, Chief Don Sweigert. Sweigert came from a firefighter/emt family. Don’s father, Wayne Sweigert, started in Sterling Fire District/Milton Township Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter in 1965 and became Sterling’s first National Registered EMT in 1973.  He later obtained his instructor certification and began teaching…

This week’s spotlight features EMT, Zachary Coughlin. Zach is one of our newest recruits to join Rittman Fire in 2022.  Before joining Rittman, he was involved in the Wadsworth Fire Department Explorer program. Zach plans on continuing his education and pursuing his paramedic certification in the future. Prior to Rittman,…

This week’s spotlight features Firefighter/Advanced EMT, Troy Hooser. Troy joined the department in 2004. Currently, he works full-time at Orrville Trucking & Grading, and is a 10-year Army Veteran. He also coached pee-wee football for 10 years. Previously Troy lived in Rittman until meeting his current Fiancé Crystal, and now…

This week’s spotlight features Firefighter/EMT Zack Baillis. Zack joined the Rittman Fire Department in 2019, and is the son of Andy Baillis, who has also been on the department for many years. Needless to say, Zack’s been around the fire service even prior to being born. He enjoys working alongside…

This week’s spotlight features Firefighter 2/Advanced EMT, Kayla Hayhurst. Kayla is one of the newer members of the Rittman Fire Department, joining in December of 2021. However, she has been in the Fire/EMS field since 2016. She is also a member of the New Pittsburgh Fire Department, and Sterling Fire…

This week’s spotlight features Firefighter 2/EMT Paul Gordon. Paul joined Rittman in 2017 and finished his Firefighter and EMT courses through the Wayne County Regional Training Facility. Paul grew up in Rittman, living next door to a Firefighter, which encouraged him to be a part of the team as well….

This week’s spotlight features Firefighter/EMT Jennifer Cottrell. Jen started her journey with District 1 in 2019. During her EMT course at the Wayne County Regional Fire Training facility in 2020 she met her husband and soon joined the Rittman Fire Department. Jen currently is an Intervention Specialist for 5th and…

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…

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…

Today’s personnel spotlight is Matthew Sweigert. Matt has been around the fire house since the day he was born. Officially, Matt started as a Jr. Firefighter in 2011, and became a member in 2015. Through the years, Matt has acquired his Advanced EMT and FF certifications. Matt has followed in the…