Hanco EMS chief named Findlay's next service-safety director

Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn announced the appointment of the city of Findlay's next service-safety director on Tuesday. Rob Martin — a resident of Findlay since 2013, current EMS chief and director of Hanco EMS, Findlay — has been appointed by Muryn to the post, effective April 19. His annual salary will be $140,000. Prior to joining Hanco, Martin worked as a clinical nurse at Mercy Health — St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo. Earlier in his career, he worked eight years as a flight nurse. He has been a registered nurse for 21 years and a paramedic for 16 years. Martin holds a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Toledo. He has also been very involved across the community and state, serving on various boards both within his field and for the broader community, including the Miracle League of Findlay Board, the Family Resource Center Board and the Ohio Department of Public Safety Active Shooter Response Committee. "We are fortunate for the strong leadership we have had over the past nearly decade and we have opportunities to continue to improve upon our achievements," said Martin. "We also have a number of challenges that face many in our community and I am honored to bring my knowledge of these struggles, my passion for helping others, and experience managing teams to support Mayor Muryn's vision for this city that I care about so much." "In Rob's role as EMS chief, he has helped many in our community through their worst days," said Muryn. "It is with that well-grounded, hands-on experience that he will now help lead our team to enable that the best days are ahead for this community." The city has been searching since last year for someone suitable for the position. In October, Muryn said her top pick for the job turned down the offer. Current Safety Director Paul Schmelzer, who had planned to resign at the end of 2020, agreed to stay on the job until his replacement was found. Schmelzer was named as the city's safety-service director in 2012. Prior to Schmelzer's appointment in 2012, as both the safety director and the service director, the two roles had been spilt. He kept the duties of safety director when the positions were later split again in 2017. Muryn recombined the positions with Martin's appointment. Schmelzer is returning to work in the private sector. "It has been extremely rewarding to work with the team at the city and engage with the private sector. I believe the public sector plays a vital role in supporting a community, and it has been a privilege being involved in decisions that have helped shape Findlay since taking a leadership role in 2012," said Schmelzer. "I have great respect for those that serve our community in so many ways." Muryn has been serving as both mayor and service director for the city. Brian Thomas, who had been serving as the director of public service and acting engineer, returned to a full-time city engineer in August. Grant: 419-427-8412