Current Information

NOW HIRING FULL-TIME FIRE CHIEF

Fire Chief (Full-Time) – Brunswick Hills Township Fire Department

Brunswick Hills Township, located in Medina County, Ohio, is accepting applications for the position of full-time Fire Chief. The Township offers a unique blend of rural character, growing residential development, and expanding commercial presence, providing an opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to guide a modern fire and EMS organization in a dynamic and evolving community.

The Brunswick Hills Township Fire Department is a combination-staffed emergency services agency committed to excellence in fire suppression, advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical services (EMS), rescue operations, and community risk reduction (CRR). The department operates with a dedicated team of seven (7) full-time personnel—including the fire chief—and approximately twenty-five (25) part-time personnel, including an Assistant Chief and a Fire Prevention Officer, providing 24/7 protection to a growing population of approximately 12,000.

The department operates from two fire stations and maintains an apparatus fleet that includes:
• Two (2) engines
• Three (3) ALS ambulances
• One (1) tanker/tender

The Fire Chief serves as the executive leader and administrative head of the Brunswick Hills Township Fire Department and is responsible for the overall direction, management, and performance of all fire and EMS operations. The Chief is appointed by and reports directly to the Brunswick Hills Township Board of Trustees and operates under the authority granted in the Ohio Revised Code, including ORC 505.38.

This highly visible executive leadership role requires an energetic, self-motivated professional with strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain a unified, high-performing organization. The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking leader committed to professional excellence, organizational development, and community service, guiding the department through continued growth, modernization, and long-range planning.

The Chief is responsible for all aspects of departmental operations, including personnel management, emergency response readiness, training, fire prevention, financial management, and strategic planning. This includes leadership and oversight of all personnel, development and implementation of policies and procedures, maintaining operational readiness, and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

The position requires a strong commitment to leadership development, recruitment and retention, and fostering a professional culture grounded in integrity, accountability, and service. The Chief is expected to promote morale, strengthen teamwork, and create an environment where firefighters and paramedics actively seek long-term careers within the department.

The Chief must also work collaboratively with collective bargaining units and labor representatives, including interpretation and administration of labor agreements, grievance handling, and maintaining positive labor-management relations.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Fire Officer II certification
  • Ohio Paramedic certification (required)
  • Ohio Firefighter II certification
  • Ohio Fire Safety Inspector certification
  • Hazardous Materials Operations certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year
  • Minimum of five (5) years of command-level experience
  • Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience within a fire department
  • Experience within a combination, part-time, or growing fire department
  • Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial management, and strategic planning
  • Valid Ohio driver’s license
  • High school diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications

  • Fire Instructor I certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year
  • National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program completion
  • Fire Investigator training or certification
  • Bachelor’s degree in fire service, public administration, business, or related field
  • Experience working in a union or collective bargaining environment

Position Expectations

The Fire Chief is expected to remain actively engaged in both administrative and operational aspects of the department, maintaining awareness of field conditions, staffing levels, and operational challenges. The Chief must be available for emergency response and leadership duties, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required, and shall serve as Incident Commander when necessary.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $95,000 to $110,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Brunswick Hills Township offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Insurance & Wellness
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Prescription drug coverage
• Life insurance and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness program

Paid Leave
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Personal leave

Retirement
• Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund {OP&F}

Additional Benefits
• Longevity pay after five (5) years of service
• Take-home command vehicle for official use
• Additional benefits in accordance with Township policy

Response Time

The successful candidate is expected to be able to respond in approximately 15-minutes to incidents in Brunswick Hills Township.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive application packet including:

  • Cover letter
  • Professional resume
  • Copies of all required certifications

Applications can be submitted:

In person: Townhall 1918 Pearl Rd

By email: jriffle@brunswickhillstwp.org

By mail: 1918 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212

Application deadline: June 5, 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

Brunswick Hills Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.

 

PRESS RELEASE DATED 11/14/24 FROM TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGARDING ANNEXATION.

Board of Trustees Press Release Regarding Annexation 11-14-24

 

Please see the attached information from Police Chief Sopkovich regarding various scams that are currently happening in our Township.  If you are ever in doubt as to the validity of a situation, PLEASE CONTACT THE BRUNSWICK HILLS POLICE DEPARTMENT BEFORE GIVING PERSONAL INFORMATION, MONEY OR GIFT CARDS TO SOMEONE.  Scam Alert from Brunswick Hills Police Department

 

BHPD 2025 Annual Report

 

BRUNSWICK HILLS TOWNSHIP IS HIRING!!!

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Brunswick Hills Township has open alternate positions (annual commitment) on the Board of Zoning Appeals.  The BZA meets monthly on the first Wednesday of every month.  If interested, please submit a completed application (link below) to Trustee Thomas DeCastra at tdecastra@brunswickhillstwp.org.  Feel free to contact Thomas by email or phone with any questions.

Township Employment Application