The 'Long' history of Monroeville firefighters

MONROEVILLE — The tradition continues. There is a "Long" history with the Huron River Joint Fire District. Another chapter was written when Kyle Long was named 2022 Firefighter of the Year. "It's a huge honor," Long said. "I've been on there for 11 years and didn't expect to get it. I am following in my grandpa and dad's footsteps like always." Did he always want to be a firefighter? "Not at first," he said. "I was just sitting at home bored and looking for something to do ... and here I am now." Being a firefighter is a family affair for the Longs. "For us it's a big deal," said Doug Long, Kyle's dad and assistant chief with the department. "Everybody in the department gets to vote for it. They gave it to him — I am tickled." Doug's father, Paul Long, had 50 years with the department and made it to the rank of captain. "I have been there 46 years and am assistant chief," Doug said. Kyle, 36, has been with the department since December 2010. "The family tradition keeps on on going," Doug Long said. "We are deep in Monroeville's roots. I got it (Firefighter of the Year) in 2005. I was a captain then." Kyle works at American Quality Striping in Sandusky. He's been with the company since graduating in 2006 from Monroeville High School. He's also on the chain gang for the Monroeville High School football games — again following in the footsteps of this dad and grandfather. "I really have fun with that," Kyle said. "I have fun and pray I don't get run over."