Suffield Fire Department

07/21/2026

Last Tuesday, the Suffield Township Fire Department marked an important transition in leadership as the Township Trustees officially swore in the department's new Fire Chief, Sean Barber.

Making the occasion even more special, the department's retired Fire Chief, Robert Rasnick, who dedicated 47 years of service to Suffield Township, was in attendance to offer his support and congratulations. His presence served as a reminder of the department's strong tradition of leadership, service, and commitment to the community.

We congratulate our new Fire Chief and look forward to the continued success of the department under his leadership.

07/12/2026

• The Suffield Township Board of Trustees has appointed Captain Sean K. Barber as the new Fire Chief of the Suffield Township Fire Department.

Chief Barber will be sworn in during the regular Township Board meeting on July 14, 2026, at 8:00 pm in the Community Room at the Suffield Township Fire Station.

He succeeds Chief Robert Rasnick, who retired on June 30, 2026, after 47 years of dedicated service to the Suffield Township Fire Department.

Chief Barber brings 31 years of fire and emergency services experience to the position. Since joining the Suffield Township Fire Department in March 2003, he has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles and was promoted to Captain in 2022. He has also served with the former Brady Lake Fire Department and the Hartville Fire Department, further expanding his experience in the fire service.

Throughout his career, Chief Barber has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety, firefighter training, and professional leadership. His experience and dedication have earned the respect of his fellow firefighters and the community he serves.

As Fire Chief, Barber will lead the department with a continued focus on providing high-quality emergency services, supporting department personnel, and meeting the needs of the Suffield Township community.

07/04/2026

A complete circle of emotions and memories spanning over 30 years of my career in less than 2 minutes. Sitting in the jump seat where I started, and listening again to the leadership, wisdom, dedication and pursuance of excellence that we all strive for from one of the most inspirational and dedicated leaders that I've been blessed to serve for. Just listening, while I look out the back windows, arm hanging out honored to have been part of such an incredible journey. Grateful to have learned just a small part of this man's knowledge. Honored to carry on the legacy that he built. Yet selfishly frustrated I cant ever repay what he has taught me to be the man I am today. I am forever grateful Chief! You will always be my boss!

06/23/2026

I would like to recognize, with a great deal of gratitude, the many acknowledgements and proclamations that I received on Saturday. I did miss mentioning two in my video. These government agencies and professional organizations were either present or represented and acknowledged my 47 years of service to Suffield Township. US House of Representatives, Dave Joyce and his associate River Kale; State of Ohio Representative Heidi Workman; The White House; The State of Ohio Governor Mike Dewine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel; Two of the Portage County Commissioners were in attendance with a written proclamation; Ohio Fire Marshal represented by Chief Anita Mathenie and Chief Jesse Baughman; Ohio State Firefighters Association represented by Chief Phil McClean and Roger Sansom; Chief Randy Porter represented the Portage County Fire Chiefs Association; and the Portage County EMA represented by Ryan Shackelford. And lastly, our very own Suffield Firefighters Association who went WAY over the top with their generosity. Obviously I was overwhelmed with the attention, the accolades, and the many residents, friends, and family that were able to share this day with me. Thank you all, with my greatest respect, Chief Bob Rasnick

06/22/2026

06/21/2026

Sharing some photos from community retirement party held Saturday, honoring Chief Rasnick after serving Suffield Township for the past 47 years. He retires June 30.

06/21/2026

Sharing some photos from Chief Rasnick's retirement luncheon.

06/04/2026

We are SO proud to announce the addition of two more paramedics to our staff. Congratulations to Nate Joslyn and Jacob Dudley on successfully achieving this huge milestone.

06/03/2026

Join us as we celebrate the legendary career of service and dedication of Chief Robert Rasnick!

After 47 years of faithfully serving Suffield Township and the Suffield Fire Department, Chief Rasnick is retiring. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, commitment, and community service.

Come share memories, stories, and well wishes as we honor a man who has devoted nearly five decades to protecting and serving our community.

Thank you, Chief Rasnick, for your 47 years of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment. We hope you'll join us in celebrating this incredible milestone!

06/01/2026

The Suffield Fire Department would like to extend our appreciation to Field Local Schools for permitting us to intercept a school bus on its way to the scrap yard. This bus was used for multiple training sessions. The sessions included a 2 hour safety class for the school bus drivers, and multiple additional sessions for fire department personnel to utilize their skills in extrication techniques for accidents involving a school bus. These included patient extrication and proper application of our hydraulic tools to create openings in a bus for extrication purposes. Lastly, we were able to acquire an educational open burn permit to study how a school bus burns. They have a lot of fire resistive materials in them, but they will in fact burn.