AVON SWEARS IN TWO

Avon Mayor Jim Smith swore in two new Firefighters Monday night at the Avon City Hall.

With family and friends watching Brian Bell and Sean Byrnes were sworn in as the newest Firefighters in the city of Avon. Avon Fire Chief Frank Root III said that he is excited about the addition. “These are two great guys we are taking on here. Brian Bell I have known for years and Sean Byrnes is a green kid who we interviewed and he just won the panel over. I really think we have two great hires.”

Chief Root says that he is happy with the direction of his Department. He will be hiring one more Firefighter in September bringing his numbers to 8 per shift. “We’re in a pretty good spot, it doesn’t look like we will be getting any new positions next year but we’re still good. With 8 guys, even with a couple off allows us to get two rigs out the door with three man crews each so that is a pretty good spot.”

Bell, who is also an Assistant Fire Chief in Elyria Township, said that he is excited about landing the Avon fulltime position. “I’m excited about this, this is my dream job and it finally came true for me.” After being sworn in Bell thanked his family and friends, many who were in attendance for their support through the years saying, “without you I wouldn’t be standing here tonight.”

Sean Byrnes who is from Strongsville said he had been working for the local Pat Catans and was about ready to quit there and look to get a job on a private ambulance service – then the call came about the Avon job. “It came at a great time and to be able to get this job here in Avon made it that much better. I really like the guys here; they are all very knowledgeable and have a lot of experience that I can learn from. The Chief and Assistant Chief have both been really nice they treat you on a human level.”

Both Bell and Byrnes say that they would like to work their entire careers at the Avon Fire Department.

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