Delhi Township Fire Department pins and swears in four internal promotions

Delhi Township Fire Chief Campbell presided over a promotion and pinning ceremony during the Oct. 8 Board of Trustees meeting, honoring three firefighters promoted to lieutenant and one promoted to captain and administering the oath of office.

The ceremony recognized Zach Rozelle, Jeremy Neehee and Steve Schmidt for promotion to lieutenant and promoted Dave Behnken to captain. Chief Campbell described the roles as “the direct link between command and the firefighters who carry out the mission,” and said company officers and captains set standards for performance and safety.

The oath for the newly promoted officers was read and repeated at the meeting. Captain Behnken recited an oath that included a pledge to “support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio” and a commitment “to ensure the safety of my battalion.” Chief Campbell and trustees congratulated the officers and invited the public to a reception and department open house at the fire headquarters.

Trustees used the occasion to praise the department’s training, retention and community service. Trustee Davis said the township is “blessed” to have local safety services and praised the officials sworn in as “ambassadors to the township.” Trustee Stearts echoed gratitude from residents who told her they “feel so safe in Delhi.”

Chief Campbell also reported operational data: the department responded to 355 runs last month and is 2.8% over last year’s total runs, while response times have held steady. He also reminded residents of the department’s upcoming open house and noted that the township will host a reception at the fire headquarters after the ceremony.

The trustees’ meeting later included a separate, unanimous vote (recorded elsewhere on the agenda) accepting the voluntary resignation of part‑time firefighter EMT Joseph P. Smith, effective Oct. 10, 2025.