James Delman

COLUMBUS — A Sunset Heights firefighter’s dedication to protecting people and their property earned him statewide recognition Wednesday.

James Delman received the Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award when the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal and the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of EMS awarded the fire service’s highest honors during the state’s 43rd annual Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame & Fire Awards ceremony. The event took place at the Center of Science and Industry in downtown Columbus. About 300 individuals, including state officials, first responders, family members of honorees and the general public attended the ceremony, which takes place each year to recognize the valor, dedication and exemplary service of fire service members from across the state.

“The tremendous valor, dedication and bravery displayed by members of Ohio’s fire service and EMS professionals are unparalleled,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in a news release. “Each day, they face a wide range of challenges with resilience and a commitment to saving lives, often under the most perilous conditions. This awards ceremony provides a unique opportunity to shine a light on these remarkable individuals who, through their actions, exemplify the highest ideals of public service.”

“Today, we are reminded of the profound impact our firefighters and EMS professionals have on the safety and well-being of our communities,” Executive Director of the Ohio Division of EMS Robert Wagoner said. “Their unwavering courage, dedication and commitment to serving others represent the pinnacle of public service. It is an honor to recognize these local heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty.”

Delman has dedicated his life to the fire service, significantly impacting Belmont County and beyond with his unwavering commitment, according to the release. Early in his career, after he recognized the critical need for effective emergency communication, he played a key role in establishing the 9-1-1 Emergency Communication System in Belmont County. The system enhanced communication for first responders and established a vital dispatch center. Throughout his career, Delman rose through the ranks, eventually serving as fire Sunset Heights chief until 2017.

Sunset Heights Fire Chief Lawrence Myers, who nominated Delman, lauded his unparalleled support and dedication to the fire service, stating, “With the support and guidance of Jim Delman in the fire service we can never fail.”

The department and many members of the public congratulated Delman on social media for his long career and for the honor he received.

Reardon, Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield, Director of Public Safety Andy Wilson and Executive Director of the Ohio Division of EMS Robert Wagoner presented honorees with awards during the ceremony. In addition to Reardon and Wilson, the event featured remarks by John Finley, State Fire Council chair, and Mark Marchetta, Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services Board chair.

Other individuals recognized during the ceremony include:

Citizens Award — Drake & Andrew Carrell, Eaton (Preble County)

Citizen Award recipient brothers Drake, 21, and Andrew Carrell, 18, were honored for their heroic actions in which they saved all nine members of their family from a house fire in March 2023. Alerted by smoke alarms, investigators lauded Drake and Andrew for their quick thinking and leadership in devising an evacuation plan, waking their family members and guiding their siblings to safety despite the smoke and flames. The quick actions of Drake and Andrew helped to prevent a potential tragedy.

Fire Service Valor Award — Robert Bloom & Aaron Lopez, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield (Clark County)

Fire Service Valor Award recipients Robert Bloom and Aaron Lopez, who are both firefighters with the Springfield Fire Department, were recognized for their response following an apartment explosion caused by natural gas in April 2023. After being informed that a child was trapped inside, despite the uncontrolled fire and potential for further collapse, Bloom and Lopez entered the building in search of the child. Their courageous actions led to the safe rescue of the child, earning them high praise from Springfield Fire Chief Jacob King for their exceptional bravery and selflessness.

Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award — Jack Guyton, Radnor (Delaware County); Robert Lloyd, Fairport Harbor (Lake County); Glenn Michael Ullom, Centerburg (Knox County)

Ohio Fire Service Instructor of the Year — Courtney Kelly, Lowellville (Mahoning County)

Ohio Fire Prevention Educator of the Year — Angela Potter, Copley (Summit County)

Ohio Fire Officer of the Year — Shawn McKelvey, Fredericksburg (Wayne County)

Ohio Fire Educator Lifetime Achievement — Charles Dixon, Granville (Licking County)

Ohio Fire Department of the Year — Pomeroy Fire Department, Pomeroy (Meigs County)

There are approximately 50,000 men and women who serve in Ohio’s fire service, the release states. The awards ceremony recognizes the bravery, commitment and sacrifice those men and women make on behalf of their communities.