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Solon swears in three firefighters as lieutenants
Summary
The Solon City Council and Mayor Krauss held a ceremonial swearing-in for three senior firefighters — Eric Dobies, Nick Norsick and Bill Feldman — who have been promoted to lieutenant after completing the department's competitive promotion process.
Mayor Krauss and Fire Chief Vetter formally swore in three members of the Solon Fire Department as lieutenants on Feb. 18, 2025.
The promotions elevate Eric Dobies, Nick Norsick and Bill Feldman from senior firefighter to lieutenant, a company officer role that Chief Vetter described as “the backbone of the fire service.” Chief Vetter told the council the three were chosen after a multistep, civil-service promotional process that included a written exam, an eight-hour assessment center and evaluations of administrative and tactical skills.
The mayor administered the oath of office to each candidate. Each candidate recited the standard oath to support the constitutions and laws of the United States and the state of Ohio and to “faithfully, honestly and impartially discharge” duties as a lieutenant in the Solon Fire Department.
Chief Vetter and the mayor emphasized that promotions followed established civil-service procedures rather than seniority alone. The chief said the department increased officer positions to expand its leadership pipeline and cited the lieutenants’ roles supervising crews, coordinating rescues and directing paramedics at emergency scenes.
Families and colleagues joined the new lieutenants onstage for badge pinning and photographs following the ceremony. Mayor Krauss and council members congratulated the firefighters and thanked the department for its service to the community.
