Lt. Charles Zerman has been named 2017 Firefighter of the Year by the Strongsville St. Francis of Assisi Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Zerman, a SWAT team medic, has received a number of commendations for his efforts at emergency scenes and was called "a gifted leader" by Fire Chief Jack Draves.
"The public receives his best effort every day," Draves said in his nominating letter.
Zerman was recognized at the June 5 City Council meeting.
Also honored were Police Officer of the Year Jeffrey Steving and Dispatchers of the Year Rebecca Naymik and Jodi Fyffe.