Fairlawn Fire Department

07/18/2026

On behalf of the Gemind family and the members of the Fairlawn Fire Department, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us to celebrate the life and legacy of our first Fire Chief, John M. Gemind.

Yesterday was a remarkable tribute to a man whose vision, leadership, and dedication helped build the Fairlawn Fire Department and shaped generations of firefighters. The overwhelming attendance, the heartfelt stories, and the outpouring of support were a true testament to the impact Chief Gemind had on so many lives.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Copley Fire Department for their assistance and support in helping us honor Chief Gemind. Their participation also reflected the deep roots of Chief Gemind's fire service career in their community and the lasting relationships he built throughout his lifetime.

To our neighboring fire departments, elected officials, retired members, current members, friends, and community members, thank you for taking the time to be with us. Your presence provided comfort to the Gemind family and served as a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable man.

Chief Gemind often believed that success was built by surrounding yourself with good people. Yesterday proved that lesson once again. His legacy will continue to live on through the department he built, the leaders he mentored, and the countless lives he touched.

Thank you for helping us celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Chief. We'll take it from here.

07/16/2026

Celebration of Life Reminder
Chief John M. Gemind

Founding Fire Chief – Fairlawn Fire Department

Tomorrow, we will gather to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Chief John M. Gemind, the Fairlawn Fire Department's founding Fire Chief.

We invite our members, retirees, neighboring public safety agencies, friends, and the community to join us as we honor a man whose vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment established the Fairlawn Fire Department and helped shape the organization we proudly serve today.

Celebration of Life Service

📅 Friday, July 17

🕘 Receiving Guests: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
🕥 Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m.

📍 Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center
3486 S. Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

Parking Information

Parking is available in the lots outlined in red on the attached map. These parking areas are immediately adjacent to the Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center and are available for those attending the service.

As we gather to celebrate Chief Gemind's life, we ask that you continue to keep the Gemind family in your thoughts and prayers.

We look forward to celebrating Chief Gemind's extraordinary life and legacy with all who knew him and were inspired by his service.

Fairlawn Fire Department

07/07/2026

Celebration of Life for Chief John Gemind

The Fairlawn Fire Department invites our members, retirees, neighboring public safety agencies, friends, and the community to join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of our first Fire Chief, Chief John Gemind. We welcome all who knew Chief Gemind, served alongside him, or whose lives were touched by his leadership as we honor a man whose vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment helped establish the Fairlawn Fire Department and shaped the organization we are privileged to serve today.
Celebration of Life Service:

Friday, July 17

Family Receiving Guests: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m.

Fairlawn Kiwanis Community Center
3486 S. Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

Please continue to keep the Gemind family in your thoughts and prayers as we celebrate Chief Gemind's remarkable life and enduring legacy.

The many heartfelt messages shared over the past several days have reflected a common theme: "A leader's legacy is measured not only by the lives they touched, but by the generations they inspired."

Rest easy, Chief. Thank you for your vision, your leadership, and your lifelong service to the City of Fairlawn. Your legacy will forever remain a part of the Fairlawn Fire Department.

07/06/2026

Today is a sad day for the Fairlawn Fire Department.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our department's first Fire Chief, **Chief John Gemind**, who passed away this morning.

Chief Gemind was appointed as Fire Chief in 1981 and led the commissioning of the Fairlawn Fire Department into service in 1982. As Fairlawn's first Fire Chief, he faithfully served our community from the department's inception through January 7, 2000. His leadership, dedication, and vision were instrumental in building the foundation of the Fairlawn Fire Department and shaping it into the organization we proudly serve today.

The legacy Chief Gemind leaves behind extends far beyond the buildings, apparatus, and policies he helped establish. His commitment to protecting the citizens of Fairlawn and developing a professional fire department will continue to be reflected in every member who serves this community.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Gemind family during this difficult time. We ask our community, our neighboring fire departments, and all those whose lives were touched by Chief Gemind to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Funeral and memorial service arrangements will be shared as they become available.

Rest easy, Chief. Thank you for your vision, your leadership, and your unwavering service to the City of Fairlawn. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

06/18/2026

🚨 TODAY IS THE DEADLINE! 🚨

Today is your final opportunity to apply for the Fairlawn Fire Department's Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic Civil Service Examination.

⏰ APPLICATION DEADLINE:
TODAY
June 18, 2026
3:30 PM

If you have been considering a career with the Fairlawn Fire Department, don't miss this opportunity.

🔥 IMPORTANT APPLICANT INFORMATION 🔥

Applicants do NOT need to possess their Ohio Firefighter II or Ohio Paramedic certifications at the time of the written examination.

Candidates selected for appointment must possess:
✔ Ohio Firefighter II Certification
✔ Ohio Paramedic Certification

at the time of appointment.

This examination represents a historic milestone for our department as it is the first public Civil Service Examination for Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedics in Fairlawn Fire Department history.

📅 WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Thursday, June 25, 2026
10:00 A.M.

📍 LOCATION
Fairlawn Community Center
3486 S. Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

Why Fairlawn?

🚒 Competitive Pay & Benefits
🚑 Full-Time Career Opportunities
🔥 Professional Training & Development
👨‍🚒 Strong Team Environment
📈 Lateral Service Credit Available for Qualified Candidates

The Fairlawn Fire Department is seeking individuals committed to professionalism, service, teamwork, and excellence while fulfilling our mission:

"To Save Lives and Protect Property."

🔗 Official Job Posting & Application Information:

https://www.fairlawn.us/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=95&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=FullTime-FirefighterEMTP-61

Applications must be submitted by 3:30 PM today.

Your Community. Your Calling. Answer It.

06/16/2026

🚨 ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY 🚨

The deadline to apply for the Fairlawn Fire Department's Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic Civil Service Examination is almost here.

⏰ APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Thursday, June 18, 2026
3:30 PM

This is a unique opportunity to join one of Northeast Ohio's premier fire and EMS organizations.

🔥 IMPORTANT APPLICANT INFORMATION 🔥

Applicants do NOT need to possess their Ohio Firefighter II or Ohio Paramedic certifications at the time of the written examination.

Candidates selected for appointment must possess:
✔ Ohio Firefighter II Certification
✔ Ohio Paramedic Certification

at the time of appointment.

📅 WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Thursday, June 25, 2026
10:00 AM

📍 LOCATION
Fairlawn Community Center
3486 S. Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

🚒 WHY FAIRLAWN?

✅ Competitive pay and benefits
✅ Lateral service credit available for qualified candidates
✅ Professional training and career development
✅ Strong team-oriented culture
✅ Advanced fire and EMS operations
✅ Opportunity to make a difference every day

Most importantly, this is the first public Civil Service Examination in the history of the Fairlawn Fire Department. Previously, full-time positions were filled through promotion from within our part-time ranks.

If you are looking for an opportunity to serve a department committed to professionalism, excellence, and community service, we encourage you to apply.

Our Mission:
"To Save Lives and Protect Property"

🔗 Official Job Posting & Application Information:

https://www.fairlawn.us/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=95&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=FullTime-FirefighterEMTP-61

Your Community. Your Calling. Answer It.

06/15/2026

🚨 ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY 🚨

The application deadline for the Fairlawn Fire Department's Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic Civil Service Examination is rapidly approaching.

📝 APPLICATIONS ARE DUE:
Thursday, June 18, 2026
By 3:30 PM

This examination represents a historic opportunity as it is the first public Civil Service Examination conducted by the Fairlawn Fire Department. Previously, full-time positions were filled through promotion from within our part-time ranks.

🔥 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS 🔥

Ohio Firefighter II and Ohio Paramedic certifications are NOT required at the time of testing.

Candidates selected for appointment must possess:
✔ Ohio Firefighter II Certification
✔ Ohio Paramedic Certification

at the time of appointment.

📅 WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Thursday, June 25, 2026
10:00 A.M.

📍 LOCATION
Fairlawn Community Center
3486 S. Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

Why Fairlawn?

✅ Competitive wages and benefits
✅ Lateral service credit available for qualified candidates
✅ Professional training and career development
✅ Strong team environment
✅ Progressive EMS and fire service operations
✅ Opportunity to serve a vibrant community while fulfilling our mission:

"To Save Lives and Protect Property"

For complete details and application information visit:

https://www.fairlawn.us/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=95&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=FullTime-FirefighterEMTP-61

Or scan the QR code in the attached announcement.

Your Community. Your Calling. Answer It.

OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT The City of Fairlawn Civil Service Commission is accepting applications for the position of Full-Time Firefighter / Paramedic for...

06/03/2026

🚨 HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY WITH THE FAIRLAWN FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚨

The Fairlawn Fire Department is proud to announce the first public Civil Service Examination for the position of Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic.

For the first time in department history, qualified candidates from outside the organization will have the opportunity to compete for full-time employment with the Fairlawn Fire Department.

🔥 IMPORTANT APPLICANT INFORMATION 🔥

Applicants are NOT required to possess their Ohio Firefighter II Certification or Ohio Paramedic Certification at the time of the written examination.

Candidates selected for appointment must possess:
✔ Ohio Firefighter II Certification
✔ Ohio Paramedic Certification

at the time of appointment.

📅 WRITTEN EXAMINATION
Thursday, June 25, 2026
10:00 A.M.

📍 LOCATION
Fairlawn Community Center
3486 S. Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

📝 APPLICATION DEADLINE
June 18, 2026
3:30 P.M.

💰 Competitive Pay & Benefits
🚑 Full-Time Career Opportunities
🔥 Professional Training & Development
👨‍🚒 Strong Team Environment
📈 Lateral Service Credit Available for Qualified Candidates

🔗 OFFICIAL JOB POSTING & APPLICATION INFORMATION:

https://www.fairlawn.us/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=95&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=FullTime-FirefighterEMTP-61

Or simply scan the QR code in the attached announcement graphic.

The Fairlawn Fire Department is seeking motivated individuals committed to professionalism, teamwork, and service to the community while fulfilling our mission:

"To Save Lives and Protect Property."

Your Community. Your Calling. Answer It.

05/20/2026

🚨 CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION FOR FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER / PARAMEDICS 🚨

The Fairlawn Fire Department is proud to announce an open competitive Civil Service Examination for the position of Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic.

If you are looking for an opportunity to serve a professional, service-driven, and community-focused department dedicated to the mission:

“To Save Lives and Protect Property”

— we encourage you to apply.

📅 Written Examination:
Thursday, June 25, 2026
🕙 10:00 A.M.

📍 Location:
Fairlawn Community Center
3486 S. Smith Road
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333

📝 Application Deadline:
June 18, 2026 by 3:30 PM

💰 Competitive Pay & Benefits
🚑 Full-Time Career Opportunities
🔥 Professional Training & Development
👨‍🚒 Strong Team Environment

Current certifications required:
✔ Ohio Firefighter Level II
✔ Ohio Paramedic Certification

Scan the QR code in the announcement graphic or visit:
www.fairlawn.us

Your Community. Your Calling. Answer It.

12/20/2025

🚨 Final Alarm – Lieutenant Joy 🚨

December 18, 2025, we officially recognized the retirement of Lieutenant Joy after more than 26 years of dedicated service to the City of Fairlawn.

Lieutenant Joy began his career on April 10, 1999, serving as a part-time firefighter, full-time firefighter, and later being promoted to Lieutenant in 2006. From 2009 through the remainder of his career, he served as a Shift Lieutenant—providing steady leadership, mentorship, and command presence to both the members he supervised and the citizens we proudly serve.

This video includes Lieutenant Joy’s Final Alarm, a tradition honoring a firefighter’s final response and a career dedicated to service.

On behalf of the Fairlawn Fire Department, the City of Fairlawn, and the community we serve—thank you, Lieutenant Joy, for your commitment, leadership, and sacrifice.

Lieutenant Joy, you are cleared to return home.

🚒❤️