Parma Heights swears in new firefighter and credits crews after major winter storm

Parma Heights officials on Jan. 26 welcomed a newly sworn firefighter and praised service crews for continuous storm response work that included multiple plow passes and round-the-clock shifts.

Mayor Gallo administered the oath welcoming Firefighter Joshua Medina after Chief Bernard introduced him; family members joined the ceremony and a badge-pinning and photographs followed. Safety Director Bova welcomed Medina and thanked safety personnel for their work during recent severe weather.

Safety Director Bova told council, "Since January 1st we've had 14 automobile accidents in the city," and thanked first responders and safety forces for handling difficult conditions. Service Director Sepik described crews working in two shifts since early Saturday morning and told council, "Looks like we have enough salt to last through the season, trucks are in good shape." He advised residents that routine rubbish collection remains scheduled for Wednesday (with Thursday make-up if missed) and asked that bulk items not be placed at curbside until conditions improve.

Sepik also announced the city was awarded a $33,500 grant from the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works to maintain county roads (Ridgewood, Snow Road, Stumph Road, West 130th and York Road). Councilmembers praised the decision in prior years to build a salt storage shed and credited advance planning for reducing service interruptions.

Mayor Gallo noted that McCaulley and Company has started work as the city's grant coordinator and said negotiations with the firefighters’ bargaining unit (IAFF) remain ongoing with further talks scheduled. The council held no public comments during the meeting; following an executive session on bargaining, council returned to open session and then addressed legislative items.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.