Firefighters promoted to lieutenants

Eastlake Fire Department recently promoted two of its members to lieutenants

Chief Ted Whittington and Mayor Dennis Morley recently swore in Kirk Lovick and Greg Mitskvich to their new positions. Between the two, they have nearly 30 years of service with the Eastlake department.

Whittington said the moves will enable both men and the department to grow.

“You can have stagnation at roles and positions, so when we do move out, these guys are young, they have a different view of the world and they’re more technologically advanced,” the chief said.

“I think what we se e at any time we get promotions are new ideas, new energy and new commitments,” Whittington added. “It’s always an opportunity to move forward as a department. It’s a very healthy part of what we do.”

Lovick, of Willoughby, has been with the fire department for 13 years and was raised in the area. On the job, he has run into many people he grew up with.

“It’s been a pleasure and honor to work for the city, and it means a lot to be able to be promoted up through the ranks,” said Lovick, who started on shift with Mitskvich. At the time, Mitskvich was a year ahead of him.

“He (Mitskvich) was able to help me out. We’ve been close since,” Lovick said. “There’s always aspirations to move up, but right now, my goals are to learn this position and give the best attempt. If another opportunity comes, I’ll look into it.”

Mitskvich, originally from Euclid, has been with the fire department for 14 1/2 years and is currently one of the leaders on the dive team.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to serve in this new role,” Mitskvich said. “I’m looking to do what’s best for the city and everyone with this department, and serve the community in the best way I can to keep everybody safe.”

The chief said that in a small department members may find themselves in many different roles, but they always bring the energy and the commitment. Some of the department’s members have come from outside of the region, but many have grown up in the area.

“I’m proud of our safety forces here in Eastlake, both police and fire,” Morley said. “We have a great group, so I’m always proud to be a part of them as safety director also.”

PHOTOS BY MARAH MORRISON Kirk Lovick, who has been with the Eastlake Fire Department for 13 years, being sworn in by Mayor and Safety Director Dennis Morley, Eastlake, as a fire lieutenant.

Greg Mitskvich, who has been with the Eastlake Fire Department for 14 and a half years, being sworn in by Mayor and Safety Director Dennis Morley, Eastlake, as a fire lieutenant.