HISTORY

    Up until the founding of the Association, the only forum for Fire Chiefs from Cuyahoga County to gather together and discuss issues specific to the county was the Northeast Ohio Fire Chiefs Association meetings.  While somewhat effective, these discussions did not involve members from the other counties in the organization.  In all fairness to those Chiefs from other counties, the decision was made to explore the formation of a county Fire Chiefs association.

    Discussion started between the founding members: Chief Dave Mohr (Mayfield Village), Chief Bill Shaw (Solon), Chief Pete Nelson (Independence), and Chief Ed Bencin (Highland Heights).  After exploring the advantages of having an organization that could address fire safety and related emergency services topics specific to Cuyahoga County, the Association was formed in 2002. The first meeting was held February 29, 2002 at the Independence Fire Department.  Bylaws of the Association were discussed along with county communications and involvement in the MMRS system.

    Since the inception of the Association, many topics have been discussed including regionalization, communications, mass inoculation sites as well as addressing issues in the Cuyahoga County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).  Due to these discussions and involvement as well as personnel changes within the Agency, many issues have been resolved and the relationship between the EMA and the Association is very strong.  Members are also very active in the Cuyahoga County Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) as well as assisting Emergency Management with updating emergency policy and procedures.