Huron native becomes city's new fire chief

HURON — A Huron native who still calls the community home looks forward to furthering his firefighting career in the city most familiar to him. On Tuesday, Huron city manager Stu Hamilton approved the hiring of Kevin McGraw to become the department's next fire chief. "I am honored to have the opportunity to be the fire chief in the city I was born, raised and currently reside in with my wife, Alicia, and two sons," said McGraw, whose love for firefighting originated at a young age by visiting Huron's department and enrolling in a youth explorer program while in high school. The 2003 Huron High School graduate officially takes office on Jan. 5. Upon doing so, he'll earn a salary of about $96,700. "I am committed to serving the Huron community and supporting its residents while continuing to provide reliable and effective fire protection," McGraw said. "It's a role I take very seriously." Preparing for the role McGraw boasts 22 years of experience as a firefighter. Most recently, McGraw left his post at Norwalk fire, serving as its assistant chief ever since being sworn in ceremony nearly two years ago. It's there where, city officials said, he "demonstrated leadership in emergency response, personnel management and public safety operations." Before then, McGraw logged 17 years with Sandusky fire, serving as a lieutenant until leaving to go with Norwalk. "Sandusky is a busy department that exposes you to all aspects of the job," McGraw said. "Regular exposure to emergency situations helps to train you while gaining confidence and skills to be successful in the fire service," said McGraw, noting his strengths and background include fire suppression, emergency management, EMS, fire inspections, water rescues and HAZMAT training. During the interviewing process for Huron's position, which occurred earlier this fall, McGraw emphasized his priorities, which include maintaining professional standards, ensuring firefighting safety and providing service to the community. It's among the reasons why Huron officials selected McGraw for the position. "McGraw brings a strong background in fire service leadership and a clear commitment to public safety," said Huron Mayor Monty Tapp, a retired firefighter himself. "We are confident he will serve the city of Huron with professionalism and integrity." Prior to McGraw's arrival and for about a decade, Huron fire operated without a chief, instead opting for a three-captain chain-of-command system. All three captains, while experienced, are nearing retirement, and city officials wanted to name a highly qualified successor they believed would stick around for several years. Looking ahead McGraw emphasized how he wants to build upon Huron fire's present-day strengths. "We have great people who are educated and highly skilled responding to calls every day," McGraw said. McGraw also said he wants to ensure all city firefighters "are well-trained and equipped with the necessary equipment to continue with that high level of service." "We will continue to strengthen our relationship with the citizens through public programs and be visible and approachable during our daily operations," McGraw said. In the short term, McGraw looks forward to learning about how Huron operates. He intends, according to the city statement, to provide strategic direction, operational excellence and inspired leadership to ensure the highest standards of fire protection, emergency response and public safety. "We will look at ways to sharpen our abilities," he said. "If necessary, we will add new (policies and procedures) and evaluate others that may not meet our standards." In the long term, McGraw strives for Huron fire to remain an agency "the community is proud of and supports." "We will always be there for them, but we cannot do our jobs effectively without their support and understanding," he said.