Fire Chiefs Of C.H.F.D.
Otto Romann 1909-1946
J.F. “Otto” Romann was born in Ohio in 1872. On April 1, 1909 he was appointed Fire Chief. He was once called Greater Cleveland’s only involuntary fire chief. After working for the Cleveland Water Department, Romann came to Cleveland Heights to take charge of the water department here. “Why, I never intended to get into this business…One night I was called into a council meeting and told I was Chief of the Fire Department. I told them I didn’t want the job, but that didn’t seem to make any difference to them.” Romann explained. Chief Romann served as both Fire Chief and Superintendent of the Water Department until he retired on April 1, 1946. Chief Romann Died on December 22, 1956.
Herbert E. Gimmel 1946-1947
Herbert E. Gimmel was born in Cleveland Heights Ohio on September 26, 1900. During World War One, Herbert worked for the US government on experimental aviation motors. He was appointed to the CHFD in 1922 and promoted to Fire Chief on April 1, 1946 where he served until December 31, 1947.
After retiring from CHFD Chief Gimmel moved to Deerfield Beach, Florida. In Deerfield Beach he started the first station of paid firemen and served was appointed Fire Chief in 1957. In 1965, he was injured lifting heavy fire equipment, and in 1967 he suffered a heart attack. The next year, he retired citing poor health. Mr. Gimmel continued to stay involved as secretary of the city's civil service board for the fire and police departments. Chief Gimmel died suddenly on August 5, 1989.
Frank L. Veasley 1948-1970
Frank L. Veasley joined the fire department as a volunteer in 1911. Veasley worked as a butcher, chauffer and mover before becoming a full-time paid fireman in 1923. He was made Lieutenant in 1930, Captain in 1944, Assistant Chief in 1946, and Chief of the Fire Department on April 1, 1948. Firefighting methods changed radically during Veasley’s service with CHFD.
“Bull strength and a lot of water were the only requirements in the early days,” Chief Veasley said.
At the time of his appointment his salary was $5,200 and he lived at 1619 Ridgefield. Frank Veasley retired on August 1, 1970.
Vincent J. Brice 1970-1983
Vincent J. Brice served as fire chief from October 21,1970 until retiring in 1983. He had been a lieutenant, captain and assistant chief. He was a member of a City Council committee that led a drive to build two new fire stations. Brice's name is included on plaques placed at the stations when they were dedicated in 1982.
He served with an Army engineering combat group during World War II and won a Bronze Star. As a first sergeant, he helped build bridges across rivers to pave the way for the infantry in campaigns that included Normandy, Ardennes/Alsace, Rhineland and Central Europe. Chief Brice died July 8, 2003.
Robert P. Marth 1984-1990
Robert P. Marth was appointed to the department on November 11, 1950. He was appointed Lieutenant in 1960, Captain in 1964, Assistant Chief in 1970, and Fire Chief in 1984. Chief Marth retired on April 1, 1990.
Stanley J. Powaski 1990- 2002
Kevin C. Mohr 2002- Present
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