Ohio Heroes Honored, Celebrated at Annual Hall of Fame & Fire Awards Ceremony

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal and the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Division of EMS awarded the fire service's highest honors during the state's 43rd annual Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame & Fire Awards ceremony. The event took place earlier today, April 24, at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in downtown Columbus. Approximately 300 individuals, including state officials, first responders, family members of honorees and the general public attended the ceremony, which takes place each year to recognize the valor, dedication and exemplary service of fire service members from across the state.

"The tremendous valor, dedication and bravery displayed by members of Ohio's fire service and EMS professionals are unparalleled," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. "Each day, they face wide range of challenges with resilience and a commitment to saving lives, often under the most perilous conditions. This awards ceremony provides a unique opportunity to shine a light on these remarkable individuals who, through their actions, exemplify the highest ideals of public service."
"Today, we are reminded of the profound impact our firefighters and EMS professionals have on the safety and well-being of our communities," Executive Director of the Ohio Division of EMS Robert Wagoner said. "Their unwavering courage, dedication and commitment to serving others represent the pinnacle of public service. It is an honor to recognize these local heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty."

Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield, State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon, Director of Public Safety Andy Wilson, and Executive Director of the Ohio Division of EMS Robert Wagoner presented honorees with awards during the ceremony. In addition to Reardon and Wilson, the event featured remarks by John Finley, State Fire Council Chair, and Mark Marchetta, Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services Board Chair.

The following individuals were recognized during the ceremony.

2024 Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame & Fire Awards
Citizens Award
Drake & Andrew Carrell, Eaton, Preble County
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Citizen Award recipient brothers Drake, 21, and Andrew Carrell, 18, were honored for their heroic actions in which they saved all nine members of their family from a house fire in March 2023. Alerted by smoke alarms, investigators lauded Drake and Andrew for their quick thinking and leadership in devising an evacuation plan, waking their family members, and guiding their siblings to safety despite the smoke and flames. Most of the children were taken to the emergency room for treatment of their injuries, but recovered. The quick actions of Drake and Andrew helped to prevent a potential tragedy.

Fire Service Valor Award
Robert Bloom, Aaron Lopez, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield, Clark County
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Fire Service Valor Award recipients Robert Bloom and Aaron Lopez, who are both firefighters with Springfield Fire Department, were recognized for their response following an apartment explosion caused by natural gas in April 2023. After being informed that a child was trapped inside, and despite the uncontrolled fire and potential for further collapse, Bloom and Lopez entered the building in search of the child. Their courageous actions led to the safe rescue of the child, earning them high praise from Springfield Fire Chief Jacob King for their exceptional bravery and selflessness.

Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award
James Delman, Bridgeport, Belmont County
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Distinguished Service award winner James Delman has dedicated his life to the fire service, significantly impacting Belmont County and beyond with his unwavering commitment. Early in his career, he recognized the critical need for effective emergency communication, playing a key role in establishing the 9-1-1 Emergency Communication System in Belmont County. This system enhanced communication for first responders and established a vital dispatch center. Throughout his distinguished career, Delman rose through the ranks, eventually serving as Fire Chief until 2017. Sunset Heights Fire Chief Lawrence Myers, who nominated Delman, lauded his unparalleled support and dedication to the fire service, stating, "With the support and guidance of Jim Delman in the fire service we can never fail."

Jack Guyton, Radnor, Delaware County
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A 20-year veteran of the fire service, Distinguished Service Award winner Jack Guyton has dedicated over a decade to serving as a key member of the Ohio Local Assistance State Team (LAST), an initiative supported by the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. In his role, Guyton provides critical assistance to families, fire departments, and communities mourning the loss of firefighters in the line of duty. He provides a wide range of support services, including helping grieving families navigate the complex process of securing benefits available to them. Guyton continues to maintain a connection with the Fallen Firefighters Foundation to ensure Ohio's fallen heroes are honored appropriately.

Robert Lloyd, Fairport Harbor, Lake County
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Fire Service Distinguished Service award recipient Robert Lloyd once experienced a critical incident with twenty-five structure fires ignited simultaneously due to an explosion from built-up pressure in the gas lines, leading to the evacuation of 3,100 residents. Lloyd, as the incident commander, successfully orchestrated the evacuation, ensuring everyone's safety without any injuries or fatalities. This event is one of many in Lloyd's distinguished nearly four-decade-long career in fire service. Lloyd also pioneered the Handle with Care program for the wellbeing of children exposed to fire incidents and undertook efforts to support department members' physical and mental health during the pandemic. Recognized as a mentor and advisor, especially in matters of mental health, Robert Lloyd's contributions to firefighting, education, and community welfare left a lasting impact.

Glenn Michael Ullom, Centerburg, Knox County
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Glenn Michael Ullom, a battalion chief with the Westerville Fire Department was also presented with a Distinguished Service Award. The 43-year veteran of the fire service began his career in 1981 as a volunteer firefighter. His dedication to training, both as an instructor and within his department, has significantly impacted many firefighters' careers. He remains actively involved in nurturing the next generation of fire service leaders, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, compassion and selflessness.

Ohio Fire Service Instructor of the Year
Courtney Kelly, Lowellville, Mahoning County
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Fire Instructor of the Year award recipient Courtney Kelly of the Youngstown Fire Department also works off-duty hours as an instructor at Choffin Career and Technical Center (CCTC) in Youngstown City Schools. Despite the demanding schedule typical for firefighters, Kelly dedicates an extra 12 hours to teaching fire academy classes at CCTC to a diverse student body. Kelly's commitment expanded the program's facilities and resources, leading to increased enrollment, graduation rates, and successful employment outcomes in the fire service. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, impacting not just her students but also the broader community, marking her as exemplary in fire service education.

Ohio Fire Prevention Educator of the Year
Angela Potter, Copley, Summit County
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Fire Prevention Educator of the Year award recipient Angela Potter was honored for her significant impact as a fire safety educator. Potter is credited with co-initiating the Northeast Ohio Safety Educators Network, a successful platform for educators to share resources and learn from experts in fire safety, healthcare, and public safety. Potter actively assists fire personnel across Northeast Ohio, contributing to youth fire setter interventions, community events, and departmental training.

Ohio Fire Officer of the Year
Shawn McKelvey, Fredericksburg, Wayne County
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Fire Officer of the Year award recipient Shawn McKelvey was recognized for his exceptional leadership and dedication at the South Central Fire District, where he serves as the sole full-time member and Assistant Chief. Known as a servant leader, McKelvey goes above and beyond to support his volunteer team by handling extensive post-service clean-up and maintenance tasks, ensuring volunteers can return promptly to their primary employment. McKelvey is a mentor within the department, creating tailored training schedules and maintaining detailed records that bolster overall departmental proficiency. His dedication in fundraising, cultivating relationships with local Amish communities, and advocating for improved emergency communication systems is notable.

Ohio Fire Educator Lifetime Achievement
Charles Dixon, Granville, Licking County
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Charles Dixon was presented with this year's Ohio Fire Educator Lifetime Achievement Award. Dixon's career in the fire service began in 1977 as a volunteer EMT and firefighter with the Bladensburg Fire Department, while also working in the natural gas and crude oil industry. In 1987, he joined the Granville Volunteer Fire Department as a full-time firefighter/paramedic and EMS/fire instructor. He also served as an instructor for the Career and Technology Education Centers (C-TEC) of Licking County and worked with Licking Memorial Hospital. In addition, Dixon served as a supervisor for the Ohio Fire Academy's fire training program from 2004-2008 and worked as a civilian EMS instructor for the Columbus Division of Fire until 2012.

Ohio Fire Department of the Year
Pomeroy Fire Department, Pomeroy, Meigs County
The Pomeroy Fire Department was honored as Ohio Fire Department of the Year for its exceptional contributions to fire education and community service. Operating as an all-volunteer force with 30 members, the Pomeroy Fire Department has become a cornerstone of the local community not only through its fire prevention and response efforts, but also through its active engagement in community service projects. In partnership with the Pomeroy Firemen's Association, the department has enhanced fire prevention awareness and spearheaded various initiatives, including supporting local events, conducting food drives coupled with fire education, distributing smoke detectors, and participating in public service announcements on the topic of fire safety.

There are approximately 50,000 dedicated men and women who serve in Ohio's fire service. Today's awards ceremony recognizes the bravery, commitment and sacrifice those men and women make on behalf of their communities.

Winner videos are available here.

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