Special to 1808Delaware
In preparation for the August 3rd retirement of Genoa Township’s Fire Chief Gary Honeycutt, the Board of Trustees have named Deputy Chief Joseph Ponzi next to lead the department.
“Chief is a fitting title for Joseph,” stated Board Chair Connie Goodman. “He has demonstrated how prepared he is to advance his career and he has my full confidence.”
Joseph Ponzi will be the seventh Chief to serve the township since the fire service was established in 1973 and the third since it was converted from a volunteer department in 2001. His career with Genoa Township began in 1993 as a volunteer firefighter and was hired as a full-time firefighter in 2001, progressing to Lieutenant in 2002, and Deputy Chief in 2011.
“I am honored to have been selected,” said Joseph Ponzi. “I look forward to stepping into this new role and continuing to serve the community where I live.”
Chief Honeycutt has served Genoa Township for 15 of his 37-year career in the fire service. The department advanced during his tenure, growing alongside the community as the population increased from 11,000 residents to more than 26,000. The Board of Trustees offers their gratitude for his dedicated service and wish him well in his retirement.
The township posted the fire chief position in April and worked with the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association to find the best suited candidate. Applications were received from 18 candidates. Of those applicants, the Board of Trustees interviewed the top three finalists. Ultimately, the Trustees felt Joseph Ponzi had the expertise and leadership qualities necessary to best serve Genoa Township.
