Chelsea fire chief introduces newest firefighter

New Chelsea firefighter Bert Seitz was introduced at Tuesday’s Chelsea City Council meeting.

Seitz has been with City of Chelsea Fire & Rescue for one and a half years, starting off as a volunteer. In that time, Seitz has received 17 fire certifications and is working on his paramedic training.

“Bert has taken these career goals and is moving forward,” said Chief Wayne Shirley. “Not only is he working hard to achieve those career goals, but he’s also most of the time OK to be around.”

Seitz received his badge at the meeting, becoming an official part of Chelsea Fire & Rescue.

“I appreciate the opportunity, and I’ll do everything I can to help the city,” Seitz said.

Mayor Earl Niven said he also hopes to help Seitz, reminding him to rely on his team.

“You’re not going to do it by yourself,” Niven said. “It’s a team work, just like the Marines and just like the football team, whether you’re Ohio State or not.”

Shirley also announced an initiative in conjunction with the Red Cross that will help install smoke detectors where they’re needed. The Red Cross is providing the smoke detectors and some volunteers to install them. The program won’t cost Chelsea Fire & Rescue money, Shirley said. There will be a sign-up sheet for a smoke detector at National Night Out on Oct. 6.

“There’s way too many fire fatalities in our state, and we’re working to do something about it,” Shirley said.