Jesse Sopko has been fire chief in Kingsville Township for just over a week, and he is already making changes.
Sopko, 21, was hired in May, and started work June 3. Since then, there have been a number of changes to the fire department.
First, the department is getting new turnout gear, thanks to a donation from the Fire Department's volunteer booster club. Eight of the department's 12 sets of turnout gear are beyond their recommended 10-year lifespan and will be replaced. The purchase, expected to cost $17,555, will be made by the boosters, and the fire department will reimburse them between $3,000 to $4,000, Sopko said.
The department's turnout gear is three years out of date. The remaining four sets of gear are good until 2024, and Sopko said he plans to make room in the budget to replace the sets of gear before they are 10 years old.
"The turnout gear is three years past its life expectancy. It's in grave need of (replacement)," he said.