Stow Fire Department

05/23/2026

As we celebrate EMS Week here in Stow, we honor the people whose dedication built the foundation we stand on today. One of those pioneers is Captain Griffin — a member of the original twelve paramedics hired in 1990.

Those first paramedics were lightheartedly known as “The Dirty Dozen.” And if you’ve ever seen the old photos, you’ll notice something right away: there definitely aren’t twelve new fire‑medics standing there being sworn in.

That’s because on what was supposed to be his very first day in uniform, Firefighter Griffin missed his own swearing‑in ceremony… for the best possible reason. He was at the hospital welcoming his daughter, Mary, into the world.

Fast‑forward through a couple of promotions and decades of service to the residents of Stow, and today Captain Griffin serves as the B‑Shift Commander — and the last remaining member of the Dirty Dozen still on the job.

This EMS Week, we want to thank him for his many years of dedication. His commitment helped shape a fledgling EMS program into the proud, respected, award‑winning organization it is today.

Thank you, Captain Griffin, for everything you’ve given to this department and community.

05/08/2026

Today we'd like to announce the retirement of Firefighter Todd Forgacs, who has concluded 25 years of service with the Stow Fire Department.

Todd began his career with us on May 7, 2001. Yesterday, we celebrated his 25-year milestone — and today, he officially begins his well-earned retirement.

He served for much of his career as a member of the Summit County Hazmat Team, which responds to some of the region’s most challenging incidents. Todd is also one of the founding members of our Honor Guard, representing the department with pride at ceremonial events and ensuring we always honor those who have answered their last alarm.

Firefighter Forgacs’ final shift this week was marked with a special Shift Dinner, bringing together his family, retirees, and past members of the department — a fitting tribute to a firefighter who has given so much to this organization and community.

As Todd steps into retirement, we wish him nothing but the best as he begins tackling his wife’s “honey do” list and embarks on the many adventures ahead.

Congratulations, Firefighter Forgacs, and thank you for 25 years of service to the City of Stow.

05/07/2026

Today we proudly recognize Firefighter Jason Walker, who celebrates 25 years of dedicated service with the Stow Fire Department and began his career with the Stow Fire Department on May 7, 2001.

For many years, Jason played a key behind the scenes role by managing our uniform supply, ensuring firefighters had the shirts, outerwear, and accessories they needed to stay prepared and professional. In addition to his service in Stow, he also works part time with the Uniontown Fire Department on his days off, continuing his commitment to serving others.

Jason has long been a dedicated member of Assist 77, a peer support program focused on first responder mental health—an essential resource for those who serve in high stress, high impact roles.

Firefighter Walker is an FAA Part 107 Drone pilot serving on our Drone Team which provides aerial support during firefighting and search and rescue operations. He is also one of the founding members of our Honor Guard, taking great pride in representing the department at ceremonial events and honoring those who have answered their last alarm.

Today marks 25 years of service, and we proudly thank Firefighter Jason Walker for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the City of Stow.

05/07/2026

Today we proudly recognize Firefighter Brian Leising, who celebrates 25 years of dedicated service with the Stow Fire Department.

A proud Stow native, Brian began his career with us on May 7, 2001, after serving with the Hiram Fire Department. Since then, he has become a trusted and steady presence within our organization and throughout the region.

Brian is a long-time member of the Summit County Technical Rescue Operations Team (TROT), which responds to some of the most complex and high-risk incidents in our county—including confined space, trench, structural collapse, and high angle rescue.

Within the department, Brian has also served as President of Stow Firefighters Local 1662 and continues to play a key role in shaping our future by serving on the interview committee, helping select the next generation of Stow firefighters.

Today, as we celebrate his 25 years of service, we extend our sincere gratitude to Firefighter Brian Leising for his unwavering commitment to his hometown—the City of Stow.

Congratulations, Brian, and thank you for your service.

05/07/2026

Today we proudly recognize Firefighter Mike “G Man” Guagliardo, who celebrates an incredible 25 years of dedicated service with the Stow Fire Department.

Mike began his career with Stow on May 7, 2001, after serving with the Tallmadge Fire Department. Over the years, he has made a tremendous impact not only within our department, but across the region through his work as a SWAT Medic. For two decades, Mike provided lifesaving emergency medical support to our police partners during Metro SWAT activations—standing ready during some of the most high risk situations our first responders face.

After 20 years and 2 months of service with Metro SWAT, Mike retired from the team on May 1st. Out of 241 members who have served on Metro SWAT since its inception in 1990, G Man becomes only the 9th member to reach the 20 year milestone—a remarkable achievement that speaks to his skill, dedication, and resilience.

Today, as we celebrate his 25 years of service, we extend our sincere gratitude to Firefighter Mike “G Man” Guagliardo for his unwavering commitment to the City of Stow and the surrounding region.

Congratulations, G Man—and thank you for your extraordinary service.

05/07/2026

Today we proudly recognize Firefighter Todd Forgacs, who marks an incredible 25 years of service with the Stow Fire Department.

Todd began his career with us on May 7, 2001, and quickly became known as our resident “Ladder Guy,” especially enjoying his time operating Tower 2.

He has served for most of his career as a member of the Summit County Hazmat Team, and is also one of the founding members of our Honor Guard, taking great pride in representing the department at ceremonial events and honoring those who have answered their last alarm.

Congratulations, Firefighter Forgacs, on 25 years of service. Thank you for your commitment to the City of Stow.

05/06/2026

04/25/2026

Congratulations on 15 years of service!

Fifteen years ago, Firefighter Shane Ballou, and (now) Lieutenant Nick Hoffman began their careers with the Stow Fire Department because of a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER). The federal grant paid for staffing wages for these firefighters for two years, and thankfully, we were able keep them on board permanently.

And now, here we are fifteen years later - in the blink of an eye! Congratulations gentlemen, and here's to 15 more years!

04/10/2026

Today we’d like to take a moment to recognize Firefighter/Inspector Jim Eberly for his many years of dedicated service to our community.

Jim began his fire service career in March of 1993 with the Coventry Fire Department. Five years later, on March 13, 1998, he joined the Stow Fire Department, where he spent many years serving on A Shift.
Before entering the fire service, Jim worked in farming and carpentry—two trades that translate directly to the hands-on, problem-solving nature of firefighting and rescue work. Those early experiences shaped the practical skill set he would carry throughout his career.

In 2005, Jim received a Star of Life “You Gotta Have Heart” award from the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians for his role in saving the life of a 68 year old male in cardiac arrest.

In 2020, Firefighter Eberly transferred to the Fire Prevention Bureau, where he not only conducted inspections and plan reviews but also investigated fires and documented his findings. This is an area where his attention to detail—combined with his construction and carpentry background—proved invaluable to the bureau and to the community it serves.

Firefighter Eberly committed himself to developing a high level of investigative competence, attending Advanced Fire Investigation courses and, in 2022, earning his International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) designation.

Throughout his time in the Fire Prevention Bureau, he investigated numerous fires at all hours of the day and night, consistently showing up when needed and demonstrating unwavering dedication to the mission.

Thank you, Jim, for your service to the City of Stow and its residents. Congratulations on a well-earned and meaningful career.

04/08/2026

On this day in 2018, we lost our friend and our co‑worker, Firefighter Dan Whipkey. Time has moved forward, but the impact he had on all of us has never faded.

There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t remember him—his stories, his humor, and the way he made the shift a little brighter. Today, we pause to reflect on the good times we shared and the legacy he left behind.

Our thoughts remain with the Whipkey family, who carry his memory with strength and grace. They are always in our hearts. Dan will forever be part of our firehouse family, and we continue to honor him and enjoy the memories we share.

04/03/2026

Harvest for Hunger at Giant Eagle!

We had a successful day helping out the crew at Norton Road Giant Eagle today with Firefighter Mel, Firefighter Fawcett and the Chief. Our Fill the Boot campaign raised dollars while we handed out fire safety education materials...two birds, one stone! 🙂