By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Robert Meredith finally saw his life-long dream come true Friday morning. Meredith stood in front of his family, friends and future co-workers as Mayor Roger Moore swore him in as Bucyrus’ newest firefighter.
“I’ve always wanted to be a full-time firefighter; I’ve been trying for ten years,” said Meredith. “It’s my life’s dream so I finally get to do that.”
“I’ve been (a) firefighter/paramedic but part-time,” Meredith explained. He had worked with the EMS in Morrow County and had been on two fire departments part time in Richland County.
Meredith’s becoming a full-time firefighter may be a dream come true for him but Fire Chief Jay Keller was just as happy with the outcome.
“I think it’s great,” Keller enthused. He noted Meredith’s family ties to the area and how well-qualified he was.
Meredith’s wife Ellen is a firefighter with Springfield Township in Ontario and Ellen’s father, Greg Northrop, had previously been a volunteer captain in Bucyrus.
“It feels like family all over again,” Ellen said after seeing her husband sworn in. Ellen looked over to where Meredith stood with their three-year-old daughter Allyson. She said Meredith wanted to work with a family-drive department and she knew how much tradition could be found within the historic fire department.
Meredith replaces John Wells, who left for a position in Delaware, on the Bucyrus Fire Department. Keller retains a staff of 15, four of which were hired on with the help of the SAFETY grant.