Lt. John Douglas has been named 2024 Firefighter of the Year by the St. Francis of Assisi Council of the Knights of Columbus.
In his nominating letter, Capt. Paul Filon said Douglas "is well respected by both his fellow officers and his subordinates. John’s efforts, energy, and expertise have increased the departments overall capabilities. He is an exceptional representative of our department, and is well respected throughout the Southwest Cuyahoga County region that we serve."
Filon also said: Lt. Douglas in one of the hardest working and most competent members of the department. "Whenever I assign him a task, I know that it will be completed and exceed my expectations without the need to look over his shoulder. He is a role model for junior and future firefighters and emergency medical workers. John is one of the most talented EMS providers and instructors that I have ever had the pleasure to work and teach with. He continues his efforts off duty by representing and advocating for his fellow firefighters and participating in numerous charitable endeavors."
A firefighter here since 2001, Douglas was promoted to lieute nant in 2025. He teaches a number of EMS and continuing education classes, is a haz-mat technician, is an EMS and fire instructor for the state of Ohio and has directed the EMT program at Southwest General for several yers.
Douglas has further distinguished himself on several notable emergency responses over the last year. He commanded two crews on a successful resuscitation of a 43-year-old cardiac arrest victim. He also was in charge of two successful at home baby deliveries under difficult conditions. Lastly, his crew was first on scene at a significant house fire last year. He was able to lead his crew through extreme temperatures and hazardous conditions down the basement stairs and extinguished the fire saving the house from significant additional damage.
Douglas and other firefighters were recognized at a City Council meeting Dec. 16, 2024. Other award-winners are:
Company Citation – Lt. John Douglas, Firemedic Grant Loeding, Firemedic Jason March
On January 11, 2024 Strongsville Medic 2 was dispatched for a woman in active labor. Lt. Douglas, FM Loeding, and FM March arrived on scene 4 minutes after being dispatched to find a 34-year-old female in active labor. This was her second pregnancy. Within one minute of the crew’s arrival, emergency childbirth was completed on scene. Mom and baby were transferred to the ambulance and received post-delivery care. They were transported to SWGHC without any further incident.
Leadership Award – Lt. Matt Ditlevson
On March 4, 2024, Lt. Ditlevson was the on-duty Shift Commander. Lt. Ditlevson is being recognized for managing a multi-unit residential, high life hazard occupancy with limited access and exposure concerns. Lt. Ditlevson managed eight fire crews from Strongsville and surrounding mutual aid cities at the Elm Haven Motel Fire. After ensuring all residents were safely evacuated from their rooms, he called for a trench cut on the roof to get ahead of the advancing fire in the attic space. The quick decision to perform the trench cut most likely saved 80% of the structure There were no injuries. All residents were displaced and received assistance from the American Red Cross.
Community Service - Firemedic Jack Petrick, retired (SFD 7/19/02 – 2/22/18)
On January 27, 2024 Jack Petrick was travelling on Interstate 71 when he witnessed a motor vehicle accident. At great risk to himself, he exited his personal vehicle and crossed the median to render aid. Jack was able to remove the driver of the vehicle as it was beginning to ignite, and he began to render emergency care to the driver and the passenger prior to the arrival of SFD, SPD, and OSP units. As units started to arrive on scene, Jack continued to assist Strongsville Medic 2 crew until their patient was moved to the back of the ambulance.