Rossford swears in new patrol officer; fire department uses vacant Rite Aid as training course

Council opened the meeting by administering the oath to Michael Schaeffer, who the council said started as a patrol officer the previous Monday. During the oath Schaeffer recited, 'I, Michael Schaeffer, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America...and faithfully serve the city of Rossford.' Members congratulated Schaeffer after the oath.

Council and the chiefs also recognized Rossford Fire and Rescue and police officers for recent actions. The council thanked firefighter-paramedics Ryan Goodrick and Mike Fox for their response to a medical emergency in the early morning hours of Nov. 11; the patient later contacted the department to express appreciation for their care. Chief Kitzler commended Officer Brandon Dean for deploying a tire-deflation device during a Michigan State Police pursuit on Oct. 25 that disabled a vehicle traveling at an estimated 120 miles per hour, saying the action 'undoubtedly saved lives and property.' Sergeant Shawn Skreptak was recognized for completing a leadership training program.

Chief Sirocco shared a video and a WTOL 11 segment explained how Rossford Fire is using the former Rite Aid building as a realistic training course. Reporter Dominic O'Neil described crews practicing low-visibility entries, managing air supply and conducting mock search-and-rescue scenarios; Chief Greg Yingling said he began building the course six to seven weeks earlier and that the facility will be offered to other agencies for training.

Council noted the training increases firefighters' preparedness and confidence for hazardous conditions. The meeting record shows the city intends to continue using the site for in-house training and to host visiting crews for exercises.