Hiram Names Aurora Fire Lieutenant as Interim Chief
Community — Hiram
Mayor Anne Haynam has appointed Anthony Marotta, a 30-year fire service veteran and Aurora Fire Department lieutenant, as interim fire chief for the Village of Hiram following months of leadership turmoil.
Image: Anthony Marotta, newly appointed interim fire chief for the Village of Hiram Mayor Anne Haynam has announced the hiring of Anthony Marotta as interim fire chief for the Village of Hiram, capping months of turmoil that included leadership resignations, a brief department shutdown, and a firefighters union vote of no confidence. Marotta, a firefighter and paramedic with 30 years of experience, is currently a lieutenant with Aurora Fire Department, where he has worked since 1997. The appointment was announced April 13. Haynam cited Marotta's background in emergency services, policy development, training coordination and organizational stabilization as key factors in the decision. "It's clear that our staffing problems have been occurring for at least the last five years and our residents deserve better service. He is committed to providing reliable, community-focused leadership, which is exactly what we need to rebuild our fire and EMS department." — Mayor Anne Haynam Marotta said he is focused on building a department the community can count on. "I am looking forward to meeting with the leadership of both the Village and the Township to find out how we can best serve the Hiram communities. I am eager to join the team of the Hiram Fire Department as we work on bringing fresh ideas to old problems." — Anthony Marotta Background The appointment follows the abrupt retirement of former Chief Bill Byers in late February. Byers cited a hostile work environment and called the responsibilities of the position inefficient and demeaning after 15 years leading the department. Assistant Chief Jason Groselle also resigned at that time, prompting the village to review its organizational options and post the chief position publicly. Meet the New Chief Residents will have a chance to meet Marotta at Hiram's SpringFest on Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Hayden Street. He is also planning two to three public forums in May, with dates and times to be announced later this month.