By Sandi Latimer
Staff Writer
Newly sworn-in Jackson Township Fire Chief Randy Little stood before family and friends, seeking their support as he takes over the helm of the department.
He said the community had been great supporters of the department in the past and asked them to continue that support.
Moments earlier Jackson Township trustees’ chair David Burris said he was eager to begin work with the new administration.
“They have some good ideas, and we’re anxious to work with them” he said.
Burris presided over the swearing in of Little and the promotion of five others in a ceremony Dec. 1 held at the Grove City United Methodist Church where families, friends and representatives of several area fire and police departments filled more than half of the sanctuary.
Little, a member of the department since 1993, was elevated from deputy chief with the retirement of Rick Dawson.
“With the retirement of an officer, we promote to fill that space,” said Burris.
In this case, four other officers were promoted and fire tech Derek Bartkowiak was elevated to a full-time firefighter. Shawn Quincel was elevated to deputy chief, Dan Ashcraft Jr. and Jason Burley to captains and Sean Garvey to lieutenant.
Little has served as a lieutenant, captain and deputy chief in his nearly 23 years of service. He holds an associate’s degree in fire science administration, is a state-certified fire instructor and safety inspector, and has completed numerous officer development and leadership training courses at the Ohio Fire Academy. He has received the department’s Medals of Valor and Merit and Ohio Medal of Valor.
Quincel, on the force since 1989, has served as a lieutenant, captain and administrative battalion chief. He is a hazardous materials and rescue technician, juvenile fire setter counselor and a state-certified fire instructor and safety inspector. He is working toward his associate’s degree in fire science administration at Columbus State Community College.
Ashcraft, the son of former Fire Chief Dannie Ashcraft Sr., joined the department in 1988 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2000. He received the department’s Medal of Merit and has attended several Ohio Fire Academy leadership courses.
Burley, with the department since1997, is also a Grant Emergency Medical service Education Program paramedic instructor and a hazardous materials technician. He has received the department’s Medal of Merit and the Ohio Medal of Valor.
Garvey has been a firefighter/paramedic since 1991. He has received the department’s Distinguished Service Award and Fire Chief’s Commendation Award. He has completed a variety of fire education training classes.
