Crime & Safety

Jeff Branic is New Fire Chief

Strongsville native takes oath of office April 18

Mayor Tom Perciak has named Jeffrey Branic the city's new fire chief, effective April 18.

The appointment was confirmed 7-0 by City Council.

Branic, a 1971 graduate of Strongsville High School, replaces Bob Moody, who retired April 8.

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"I'm taking the baton from a very effective chief," Branic said, noting that Moody led the department's efforts to grow, including building the city's fourth fire station. "These projects are complete, and now it's time to look forward and concentrate on other issues."

A standing-room-only crowd applauded as Perciak, calling it "a special night for all of us," administered the oath of office and then led Branic to "his rightful place" among the other Strongsville directors at Monday's City Council meeting.

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Branic said it is "truly an honor to serve.

"You guys are the best firefighters in the world. Take it to the bank," he said to the dozens of firemedics in the room.

He also told Perciak he wouldn't let him down. "I promise to do my best -- to do my duty to God and country," he said.

Branic earned a degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea in 1975 and taught middle school science and health in Strongsville for five years before joining the fire department in 1980. 

"There were only two things I wanted to do -- teach and be a firefighter, and I got to do both," he said.

As chief, he said his first challenges will be to "do more with less" as budgets in all city departments shrink and to deal with the ramifications of Senate Bill 5, the collective bargaining measure.

He said he also hopes to expand participation within the department, allowing all firefighters a larger role in making decisions and shaping policy.

Branic was among the top three scorers on a civil service exam. Perciak interviewed all three candidates April 15 before making his choice.


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