Stow Fire Department

09/28/2026

✨ We're excited to welcome four outstanding new members to the Stow Fire Department, all starting their first day today! ✨

Meet Our New Firefighters 👨‍🚒

1. Jacob Fondriest
o His fire service career began as a volunteer in Strasburg and most recently served as a Firefighter/Paramedic in New Philadelphia.
o Passionate about serving the community, personal growth, and spending time with his wife Hannah and their young son Henry.
o Enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, and is active in his church community.

2. Alexandria Brown
o Hails from Louisville, Ohio, and is the first in her family to join the fire service.
o Brings five years of experience, a background in Exercise Science, and is a Certified Fire Instructor and Hazmat Technician.
o Loves working out, competing in firefighter challenges, and spending time with her husband Michael and their son Michael Jr.

3. Nathan Luginbuhl
o Born and raised in Marshallville, Ohio, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron.
o Started as a volunteer with Sterling Fire Department and is passionate about sports, family, and his faith.
o Drawn to Stow by the department's strong work ethic and culture.

4. Cameron Flesher
o Grew up in Barberton, attended Stark State, and is certified as a Level II Firefighter and Paramedic.
o Enjoys weightlifting, skiing, biking, rock climbing, and has experience with several area departments.
o Known for his hands-on skills and adventurous spirit.

✨ Congratulations to Cal Davis! 🎉🎉

We're also proud to announce the promotion of Cal Davis to Captain of the Training Bureau. With 33 years in fire service, 19 years at Stow, and extensive experience in emergency medicine and training, Cal brings exceptional leadership and dedication to this new role.

Please join us in welcoming Jacob, Alexandria, Nathan, and Cameron to the Stow Fire family, and in congratulating Captain Cal Davis on his well-deserved promotion! 😀 🔥 🚒

09/23/2026

🚒 Congratulations on your retirement, Chief Mark Stone! 🚒

After more than three decades of dedicated service, we congratulate Chief Mark Stone on his retirement from the fire service!

Chief Stone began his career in 1992 with the Akron Fire Department, where he built the foundation of a career dedicated to serving others. In 2000, he joined the Stow Fire Department, beginning a chapter that would ultimately lead him to the position of Fire Chief.

Throughout his years with Stow Fire, Chief Stone has demonstrated leadership, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to the firefighters, residents, and community he served. From answering calls to leading the department, his career has been defined by service and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

Chief, thank you for the countless hours, difficult decisions, sacrifices, and memories made along the way. Your impact on the Stow Fire Department and the people you have served will continue long after your last shift.

From all of us at the Stow Fire Department, congratulations on an incredible career and a well-deserved retirement!

Enjoy retirement, Chief! You’ve earned it. 👨‍🚒🔥

09/21/2026

We hope to see you there!!!

Come meet your Stow Safety Forces!

Mark your calendar for a fun evening of exploring, learning, and getting an up-close look at the people and equipment that help keep our community safe!

Join us Thursday, October 1, from 4:30 - 7 PM at the Stow Safety Building, 3800 Darrow Rd., immediately following the First Responders Memorial Ribbon Cutting.

There's something for everyone - especially our future firefighters, police officers, and first responders!
https://www.stowohio.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=3273

09/15/2026

A new chapter begins for the Stow Fire Department! Join us Thursday, September 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Fire Station #1 as Mike Lang is sworn in as Fire Chief and Mark Kozak as Assistant Fire Chief. We look forward to celebrating their leadership and the future of our department with the community.

A New Chapter for the Stow Fire Department

As Chief Mark Stone prepares to retire after more than 30 years of fire service, the City of Stow is pleased to announce Mike Lang as our next Fire Chief and Mark Kozak as Assistant Fire Chief.

Join us for their swearing-in ceremony on Thurs., September 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Fire Station #1

Read the full announcement to learn more about these dedicated leaders and the experience they bring to the department.
https://www.stowohio.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/614

09/12/2026

Today, we came together with the Stow Police Department, and and community to remember the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001. We reflected on the sacrifices made that day and reaffirmed our commitment to never forget the courage and resilience displayed in the face of tragedy.

We are especially grateful to the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Choir, Pastor Cole Tawney of Riverwood Chapel, and Mayor John Pribonic for their meaningful contributions, which helped make this year's service especially memorable and impactful.

Later in the day, our members participated in the Safety Forces Support Center Stair Climb, taking each step in remembrance of the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and civilians who lost their lives on 9/11. It was a powerful opportunity to honor the fallen and pay tribute to the enduring spirit of service and sacrifice.

We will never forget.

09/11/2026

We Remember 9/11

09/03/2026

🚒 Congratulations on your (soon-to-be) retirement, Chief Mark Stone! 👨‍🚒

We would like to celebrate the retirement of Fire Chief Mark Stone and recognize an incredible career dedicated to serving his community and the fire service - dating back to 1992 with Akron Fire Department before moving over to Stow Fire Department in 2000.

Chief Stone’s years of leadership, commitment, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the department and the people he has served. From answering calls to leading his department through countless challenges, he has always understood what it means to put service before self.

Retirement marks the end of one chapter, but the legacy you leave behind will continue through the firefighters you have mentored, the lives you have touched, and the department you helped lead.

Chief Stone, thank you for your years of service, leadership, sacrifice, and dedication. We wish you a well-deserved retirement filled with family, friends, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy whatever comes next.

Enjoy retirement, Chief! You’ve earned it. 🧑‍🚒🔥

🚒 Thank you for your service. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for everything.

Celebrating Fire Chief Mark Stone’s Retirement...

After 36 years in emergency services—including 26 years with the Stow Fire Department—Fire Chief Mark Stone will retire on September 18, 2026.

We thank Chief Stone for his decades of dedication, leadership and service to the Stow community.

Read the full retirement announcement: https://www.stowohio.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/609

Stow Fire Department