Krystal Smalley
KSmalley@wbcowqel.com
It seemed to be a running joke that Chad Schwemley has “big” shoes to fill. The veteran Bucyrus firefighter took an oath Friday morning to become a captain with the Bucyrus Fire Department.
Schwemley has taken over many of the duties formerly held by Captain Michael Hassinger, who retired.
“This all occurred because of Mike Hassinger, who had twenty-six years with the Bucyrus Fire Department, retired in January,” Bucyrus Fire Chief Jay Keller said to a packed Council Chambers. “Everybody says you have big shoes to fill, you know, well Michael wears a size eight so I don’t have to worry about Chad filing a big shoe,” a cheeky Keller said to laughter.
Schwemley was sworn in as a Bucyrus firefighter on Aug. 19, 1996. He had been promoted to Lieutenant in 2008. He serves as the head of the department’s inspection bureau and the fire department’s lead mechanic. Schwemley will also take over maintenance of the department’s computers.
“Hopefully I can fill his shoes (Hassinger’s), little ones that they are. I’m very happy to make this accomplishment and looking forward to possibly filling his shoes one day,” Schwemley said, gesturing to Keller with a grin.
The comment drew a lot of laughs before Mayor Roger Moore calmed the room down.
“We welcome him,” Moore said. “He’s not a stranger to us and to the city by any means. But your accomplishments, they speak for themselves and we’re just proud to have you on the force, proud to have you as a captain now and I know that good things will come from it.”