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Akron Fire Chief Ed Hiltbrand to retire
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: September 2, 2016
When Edward Hiltbrand first joined the Akron Fire Department in 1985, he said he had no idea what challenges he would face or that he would one day be asked to serve as chief.
But fast-forward more than 30 years later and Chief Hiltbrand is retiring, after being at the helm for about 18 months. His last day is tomorrow.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but once I decided to do it I made peace with it,” said Hiltbrand. “I always heard people in the department say that when it’s time to go you’ll know and it turned out to be true.”
Akron Deputy Chief Charles Twigg, who has worked closely with Hiltbrand for the past five years, said Hiltbrand has been “a true advocate for the men and women of this department.
“He’s been a mentor to me,” said Twigg. “Any time we’ve had to make tough decisions it’s been very comforting to know that we could always get Chief Hiltbrand’s perspective.”
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan issued the following statement: “Chief Hiltbrand is a true professional who is highly respected by his peers. His leadership and dedication to the Akron Fire Department and the citizens of this city will be sorely missed. He leaves behind a strong legacy of service to his community.”
As of the publication of this story, the name of the new fire chief had not been announced.
Born in Akron, Hiltbrand graduated from Nordonia High School in Macedonia. He began his career as an emergency medical technician (EMT) at Physicians & Surgeons Ambulance in Akron, going on to become a paramedic at Huron Road Hospital (later known as Huron Hospital) in East Cleveland.
“Once I became a paramedic I knew the fire department was the way I wanted to go so I started taking the fire department tests and I was lucky enough to get into Akron’s department,” said Hiltbrand.
“From day one I loved the job and I have loved every position that I’ve had,” said Hiltbrand. “I really enjoy the camaraderie at the department.”
Hiltbrand said the fact that he was already an EMT and a paramedic when he started at the fire department gave him an advantage.
“Everyone in the department is required to be cross trained as an EMT/paramedic in addition to their firefighter training,” said Hiltbrand.
In August of 1995, he was promoted to lieutenant and about three years later he made captain. In July of 1999, he became district chief, followed by deputy chief in 2003 and fire chief in February of 2015.
During the time he was district chief, he completed the Ohio Fire Executive Program, which is created and administered by the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation.
As chief, Hiltbrand said he’s focused on making sure that the firefighters receive adequate training. He has also stressed community service.
“We have an officer development program in which our lieutenants adopt a local school,” he said. “They take the truck out once or twice a year and do some type of activity with the children.
“We also take the smokehouse to a number of community events.”
In addition, he said the department has partnered with the Red Cross to secure and install smoke detectors in homes that don’t have them.
“We’ve also been talking to officials in the various wards about our CPR program for residents,” said Hiltbrand.
While he’s fought some difficult fires over the years, he said his most challenging day was the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.
“There was so much confusion that day because no really knew what was happening,” he said.
There were other hurdles as well, including the 2006 federal lawsuit alleging race and age discrimination in the 2004 fire department promotion tests for lieutenant and captain (William Howe et al., v. City of Akron). Hiltbrand said after the suit was filed against the city, firefighter promotions came to a screeching halt.
“There were no tests given for lieutenant and captain for years,” he said. “Morale deteriorated. Now that the lawsuit is over people are being promoted again.”
On Aug. 22 during the first joint fire and police promotional ceremony, the Akron Fire Department promoted 16 members to fire captain and 10 others to fire lieutenant.
“We were down to one captain and we are allowed to have 17,” said Hiltbrand.
This year the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 330 voted to approve a new three-year contract with the city of Akron that changes the way firefighters are promoted.
“We are going to be promoting based on education and seniority,” said Hiltbrand. “There will no longer be any tests. Firefighters who want to move to the next rank will have to get certain certifications and once they receive those they will be put on a list and we will hire off that list. Hopefully that will put an end to any future litigation.”
The contract was signed Aug. 29.
“The new process will take effect next year,” he said. “In the meantime, we will continue to use our current active promotional lists.”
The department was recently awarded a $4.4 million SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency that will allow 25 more firefighters to be hired.
“We are at about 328 and we need 363,” he said.
Twigg said Hiltbrand has done a lot for the department, including instituting EMS billing in which non-residents and insurance companies are held liable for costs related to ambulance transport.
“Chief Hiltbrand helped create the EMS Tactical Unit, where our paramedics work with SWAT teams on specialized training to make sure they are prepared for those type of situations.
“He’s also on board with the new promotional system and backed efforts to begin the switch from handwritten EMS reports to electronic patient care reports using tablets,” said Twigg.
“Chief Hiltbrand has done a great job of taking care of the guys, while being a progressive thinker and encouraging some of the younger firefighters to run with ideas,” said Twigg.
While Hiltbrand is unsure of all his plans for the future, he said he does intend to enjoy some time away in Lake Placid with his wife Linda. The two have been married since 1983.
While he’ll miss the department, he said he’s extremely proud of the fact that his sons Cory and Drew have both embarked on careers as Akron firefighters.
“It was something I was around my whole life and I was very proud of my dad growing up,” said Drew, who joined the department in 2010, after getting a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Ohio University.
“He is highly respected by everyone in the department,” said Drew. “While I’m happy that my dad is able to enjoy his retirement, I think we’re losing a positive proactive head who was moving things in the right direction.”