Pictured L-R: Deputy Fire Chief Tom Granata, Police Chief and Safety Director Patrick Jones, Chief William McCullough, and Mayor Tom Mackin

2/21/2023
(PERRYBURG, OH) - The City of Perrysburg has a new Fire Chief. William McCullough was confirmed by City Council during its meeting on Tuesday, February 21. He replaces Fire Chief Rudy Ruiz who retired last September. 

“I am humbled and honored to become the next Perrysburg Fire Chief, McCullough said. “I am excited to serve the City of Perrysburg in this capacity and to support the men and women of the Fire Division who give so much to Perrysburg every day.” 

McCullough comes to Perrysburg from the Jefferson Township Fire Department in Blacklick, Ohio where he has served as battalion chief and paramedic since 2010. His resume includes positions as a firefighter and paramedic for the Granville Township Fire Department, an EMS and fire instructor for the Ohio Fire Academy, deputy fire chief for the Bath Township Fire Department, firefighter and paramedic for the Shawnee Township Fire Department and was a paramedic for the Toledo Hospital’s Promedica Air. He is looking forward to bringing that experience to the City of Perrysburg. 

“The Perrysburg community has grown over the years, and the Fire Division is no different,” McCullough said. “Having served in a rapidly growing community outside of Columbus, I am hopeful that I’m able to utilize my experiences to assist the Fire Division to continue to provide exceptional service to the city.”    

McCullough was introduced to the fire service at a young age and always knew he wanted to be a firefighter/paramedic. He has an extensive educational background with an Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree from Franklin University, as well as other education from the Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation, James A. Rhodes State College, University of Northwestern Ohio, and the Ohio Fire Academy, and several others.  

“I quickly learned that the culture of the fire service was unlike any other team that I had been a part of,” he said. “The perpetual training and preparation to ensure we perform at our best when others are having their worst day was exhilarating for me. The alliance that firefighters have with each other is special and I was convinced that is what I wanted to be when I ‘grow up.’” 

One thing that McCullough wants residents to know is that the Perrysburg Fire Division is committed to providing the best service possible. 

“I want to personally invite you to stop in and visit with your firefighters. Our community is our commitment.” 

McCullough is familiar with Northwest Ohio. He and his wife are from Southeast Michigan and travel through the area frequently with their three daughters to visit family and friends. He enjoys fishing on the Maumee River and visiting the local parks, restaurants, and other businesses.    

He will be sworn in by Mayor Tom Mackin on his first day of employment which will be on Monday, March 13.