Sandusky's McGraw selected as Norwalk's new assistant fire chief

NORWALK — Norwalk has hired a new assistant fire chief. Fire Chief Dan Strayer told Norwalk City Council Tuesday night that Kevin McGraw, currently a lieutenant for the Sandusky Fire Department, will be sworn in and start in Norwalk on Jan. 2. Strayer was the assistant fire chief until he was promoted to the department's top spot last May. McGraw said he's really excited to start working in Norwalk, adding that his wife (the former Alicia Caprara) is a graduate of Norwalk High School. "It's not every day you get an opportunity like this," he said. He said he applied for the job because it was an opportunity for career advancement. He also said the new job will give him an opportunity to spend more time with his family. "This job allows me the opportunity to spend more time with my family, but also to stay in firefighting," McGraw said. McGraw has been employed by the Sandusky Fire Department since 2006. As a lieutenant in Sandusky, McGraw also serves as a watch officer, outside station officer, is involved with EMS operations, is a member of the city and department health and safety committee, and is the number one shift dive supervisor. In addition, McGraw is a paramedic, hazardous materials technician, a certified public safety scuba diver, a certified fire instructor, and a certified fire safety inspector. Also, McGraw is a paid on-call employee for the Huron Fire Department and is a fire program instructor at EHOVE Career Center. He got his education from Columbus State Community College and EHOVE Career Center. The Norwalk Fire Department is also in the process of hiring an entry level firefighter; when that is done, the fire department's roster will be full.