Parma Heights swears in new fire lieutenant and patrolman; directors report on programs and training

Parma Heights City Council opened its March 25 meeting with two ceremonial swearing-ins and received reports from department directors on programs, training and near-term operations.

Council President Tom Rounds administered the oath to Lieutenant Patrick Mason of the Parma Heights Fire Department. Lieutenant Mason thanked his family and colleagues. Mayor Gallo administered the oath to Patrolman Jeremy Badea after Chief Czack introduced him.

Recreation Director Bacci reviewed recent and upcoming programming: a Leprechaun Hunt with more than 100 participants, spring crafts with about 70 registrants, spring soccer for roughly 80 three- and four-year-olds, and ongoing summer-baseball registration; she said the city’s Seed Library — a partnership with the Parma Heights City Library — will provide free seeds and noted Earth Day plans for April 27 from 1–4 p.m. at Greenbriar Commons.

Safety Director Scharschmidt reported that Lieutenant Sparling presented a Fire Prevention lecture at the Senior Center and said hydrant flushing would begin April 1. He also said county funds will cover overtime costs for planned Rescue Task Force (RTF) active-shooter training on June 21 with Parma Police and Fire. Mayor Gallo reported the Senior Center served and delivered 1,308 meals over the past two weeks and said, because of budget considerations, the Citizens Police Academy and a planned drone purchase are suspended for the year.

Quotes from the meeting include Lieutenant Patrick Mason’s thanks to his family and colleagues and Recreation Director Bacci’s note that "Seeds are free." The council adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

No members of the public spoke during the public-comment period.