Pataskala council member Tommy Rooks to resign after accepting assistant fire chief post; council will advertise vacancy

Council member Tommy Rooks announced at a Pataskala City Council meeting that he has accepted the position of assistant fire chief with the Westlicking Joint Fire District and will resign his city council seat effective upon the meeting’s adjournment.

“I was approved and accepted the position of assistant fire chief at Westlicking Joint Fire District, effective on July 6th of 2026,” the resignation letter read aloud to the council. The letter said the author had consulted with legal counsel and the Ohio Ethics Commission, which advised that the member must resign from both the city council and the fire board before starting the new job. The letter also noted that the author resigned from the fire board on May 14.

“I am honored to have served Pataskala City and the residents of Ward 1 for nearly 11 years,” the letter continued, saying the member was grateful for the opportunity to work with staff, the mayor and fellow council members.

Fellow council members offered congratulations and thanks for the departing member’s service. Council remarks emphasized a long local family connection to public safety and personal appreciation for the member’s years on the council.

Following the announcement, the council voted to direct city administration to advertise the open Ward 1 council position. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote; members present recorded affirmative votes before the clerk. The council then voted to adjourn.

No timeline was set in the meeting for applications or appointment to fill the vacancy; the motion directed only that the administration advertise the open position. The resignation is effective immediately upon adjournment, and the new fire position is scheduled to begin July 6, 2026.