Mayor DiVencenzo appoints new fire chief

Chief Cutter to retire; Council consideration expected

A 30-year veteran of fire and rescue service will become the new fire chief of the village of Grafton.

A 30-year veteran of fire and rescue service will become the new fire chief of the village of Grafton.

Mayor Dave DiVencenzo has appointed Randy Kimbro of Eaton Township as fire chief of the village.

Kimbro has 30 years of fire and emergency medical experience, working as a firefighter and paramedic in Olmsted Falls. He also worked at Southwest General and University hospitals.

“Randy brings enthusiasm, a strong background and a positive outlook for the future,” DiVencenzo said.

Kimbro will replace Chief John Cutter.

“The village extends its deepest gratitude to retiring fire chief John Cutter for his many years of hard work and his dedication to the village of Grafton,” DiVencenzo said.

Kimbro’s appointment is pending the approval of Grafton Village Council next week, the mayor said.

Once Council approves, Kimbro will be sworn in as the new chief.

Grafton is served by an all volunteer fire department with 19 firefighters and 10 emergency medical technicians who provide accident response, fire suppression and basic life support services, according to the village.

“These trained men and women donate their time to serve the community,” the village website said.

The fire department was founded in 1935 and provides protection to 4.57 square miles of the village, which has about 3,500 residents and three state correctional facilities, according to the village.

It also has three pumpers, one mini-pumper, one equipment van and two ambulances. The fire stations are on Chestnut Street and Novak Road, according to the village website.