CHIEF SLUDER… Wauseon’s Fire Chief Rick Sluder stands with the chief vehicle for the fire department. Chief Sluder’s resignation was accepted by city council and will take effect on September 11th. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
Wauseon Fire Chief Rick Sluder’s resignation was accepted during the August 1st city council meeting. Chief Sluder’s resignation will take effect on September 11th.
Afterwards, Chief Sluder will be working at the State Fire Marshals Bureau.
There he will be advising the Marshal and Commerce Director. He will also be supporting and working closely with Bureau Chiefs across the State to make sure they have what they need.
He will also attend meetings across the state that have to do with fire and security for public safety issues.
Chief Sluder explained that he has been a part of the Wauseon Fire Department for the past thirty-two years and that it will be in good hands when he is gone.
“I’ve worked at the Ohio Fire Academy for the last 12 years. I’ve gotten to travel the state of Ohio, instructing large and small fire departments.”
“I’ve been with the Wauseon Fire Department for 32 years and it has been a great place to be, but this will be a new challenge. I want to go where I can continue to be effective and help organizations to grow.”
“I have no hesitation for leaving Wauseon because I know it’s in good hands.” Following the acceptance of Chief Sluder’s resignation, council moved to appoint Assistant Chief Phil Kessler to the position of chief effective on September 12th.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com