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Inspired by our annual Military Yearbook special section, Toledo Free Press wanted to also honor the heroes serving here in the community as local police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, sheriff’s deputies, highway patrol officers, volunteer firefighters and more. Perhaps it shouldn’t have come as a surprise, but many first-responders we talked to were extremely humble and modest about their service. Many, especially police officers, shied away from the spotlight and declined to be interviewed or photographed. However, it was obvious in each case how much they cared about their community and how rewarding they fond their career. In many cases, their families were not as shy about calling attention to the honor they deserve and many submitted the photos you see here. We hope this small sample of the thousands of area men and women on call to keep us safe night and day serves as our way of saying thank you to each of you for your service, your dedication and your sacrifice.
—Sarah Ottney, Managing Editor
Cedar Point
First-responders, including firefighters, police officers and EMTs, can save
$17 off one-day regular admission to Cedar Point through Sept. 1. The offer is
available only at the park ticket windows and a valid work ID must be shown to
receive the discount.
Firefighters Mass
The eighth
annual Firefighters Mass will be held at the Historic Church of St. Patrick,
130 Avondale, at 10 a.m. Sept. 14. Monsignor Christopher Vasko will celebrate
the Mass. All area firefighters and their families are invited to attend Mass
and brunch at The Blarney Irish Pub, 601 Monroe St., immediately following. The
first Mass honoring firefighters was held in 2007 when Father Dennis Hartigan
dedicated the church to firefighters whom he credited with saving the church
from a 1980 fire caused by a lightening strike. The church now contains an
altar shrine dedicated to St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
Chief Josh Drouard
Rossford Fire Department
Served in every rank: Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain, Asst. Fire Chief and Fire Chief. Serving since Oct. 26, 1987.
Capt. Tom Samson
Rossford Fire DepartmentHasserved on and off the department since the 1980s, with current service since May 24, 1989.
Matt Giles Sr.
Rossford Fire Department
Most senior member of the department, serving since Aug. 17, 1987. Previous served as lieutenant; now a Firefighter/EMT.
Toledo Fire & Rescue ‘Fantastic Four’
Members of Toledo Firehouse 4 — or as they call themselves the “Fantastic Four!” From left, Lt. Bruce Cook, Pvt. John Harmon, Pvt. James White, Pvt. Eric Sherman, Chief Tim Clapp, Capt. Luke Harman, Pvt. Mike Pelechaty, Pvt. T.J. Romijn.
Pvt. Harold Simms
Toledo Fire Department, Station No. 4
Andrew “Andy” Iwinski
Toledo Police Department
Andy Iwinski was a familiar face in Downtown Toledo, directing traffic with a semaphore for decades, including on the corner of Superior and Jefferson, which became known as Andy’s Corner. He joined Toledo Police in 1922 and retired in 1968 after 46 years of service. He wore Badge No. 1, representing the longest-serving member of the department. More than 1,000 people, including the mayor, came to his retirement party. A cut-out photo of him signed by guests was donated to the Toledo Police Museum by his family.
Andrew “Andy” Iwinski 
Andrew “Andy” Iwinski
“He was very popular,” daughter Evelyn Nowak said. “He was the old-fashioned kind who helped old women across the streets. He taught us kids to be servants because that was what he was, a servant to the people.” He died in 1971 at age 71.
Pvt. James Michael Moseby
Toledo Fire Department
We love you and are so proud of you.
Rudy Hanzel
Firefighter/Paramedic withAllen-Clay Joint Fire District
Always my hero! Love, Mandy
Tom Gates
Portage Fire District
Thank you for all that you do! Love, your friends
Josh Maddox
Frenchtown Fire Department
Josh has served full time in the fire service for 13 years. We love our hero! Love, Your wife and children
William George Milliere
Sylvania Fire Department, Retired
Thank you for serving our community Dad. Your loving wife Judy; children Anne & Jim Valerio, Amy & Mike Pettit, Andy & Paulette Milliere, Abby & Andy Blakely; grandchildren Alex, Hans & Chad, Drew & Nicole, Jordon & Mallory, Jeffery, Jillian, Andrew, Autumn, Austin
Ralph Green
Lucas County Sheriff’s OfficeHas been a dedicated officer since 1988 with the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office. He retires on Aug. 31. Good luck.
Deputy Chief Jim Rodriguez
Perrysburg Township Fire Department
Thank you to all the men and women who put their lives at risk every day to save others! And a big thank you to this guy right here, who truly is a hero! I’m proud to call you my Cootie! Love, Mandy
Det. Keith T. Dressel
Toledo Police Department
Detective Keith Dressel was born on March 28, 1971, at Mercy St. Vincent Hospital. He joined Toledo Police Department on Dec. 10, 1993, where he was promoted to vice/narcotics unit 812. His end of watch was Feb. 21, 2007, when he was fatally shot in the line of duty. His number was retired in his honor. An annual memorial motorcycle ride was established in his honor, which provides a scholarship at Owens Community College each year. An annual blood drive on Feb. 21 is also held. He is missed and loved by his family.
William Miscannon
Toledo Police Department
William Miscannon’s End of Watch was Sept. 18, 1970. He was shot while eating with his partner, Walter Shaw, in their paddy wagon. No one has been convicted of the crime. A scholarship fund at Owens Community College is named The Officer William Miscannon Scholarship Fund in Memory of Detective Keith Dressel. “I appreciate that dad is still remembered and honored,” said his daughter Diane Miscannon. “I am always glad to chat with someone who knew Dad as I was 10 when he was murdered and don’t have too many personal memories of him. Gone but not forgotten. Lest we forget. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Battalion Chief Orlando Gonzalez and Lt. Kari Gonzalez
Husband and wife serving on Toledo Fire & Rescue Department. Toledo Free Press photo by Christie Materni
Capt. Mark Benadum and Capt. Mike Benadum
Brothers serving on Toledo Fire & Rescue Department. Toledo Free Press photo by Aaron Geller
Steve Machcinski and Jamie Dickman
Last Alarm Jan. 26, 2014
Toledo Police Athletic League (PAL)
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Swanton Fire Department
Oregon Fire Department
Perrysburg Fire Department
Lucas County Sheriff’s Office
Chris Hartford and Wayne Hartford
Father and son serving with Toledo Fire & Rescue. Toledo Free Press photo by Christie Materni
Greg Segura and Michael Segura (retired)
Father and son serving with Toledo Fire & Rescue. Michael’s twin brother Alfred Segura was a Toledo police officer and his other brother Anthony Segura is also a Toledo firefighter. Toledo Free Press photo by Christie Materni
Jamie Ferguson and David Ferguson
Father and son serving with Toledo Fire & Rescue. Jamie is a public education officer who gives community safety presentations. Toledo Free Press photo by Aaron Geller
Jennifer Hill and John Leopold (retired)
First father/daughter team to serve with Toledo Fire & Rescue and first second-generation firefighter/paramedic. John’s grandfather, Clarence Ehrsam, was also a Toledo firefighter. Toledo Free Press photo by Aaron Geller
Battalion Chief Mike Nicely and Pat Nicely (retired)
Father and son serving with Toledo Fire & Rescue. Pat’s cousin Greg Yingling is also a Toledo firefighter and his niece Lt. Kelly Russell is a Toledo police officer. Toledo Free Press photo by Christie Materni
Lt. Tom Viertlbeck and Lt. Matt Viertlbeck
Father and son serving with Toledo Fire & Rescue. Not pictured is Tom’s other son Andy Viertlbeck and Tom’s brother-in-law John Roesner (retired). Toledo Free Press photo by Aaron Geller
