By BOB OLIVER
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — The new year is bringing in an important change at the Fire Department, as Fire Marshal Dave Brogran was sworn in as fire chief Jan. 8, two days after the position was vacated by outgoing Chief Andrew Gurka.
Brogan served as fire marshal for the city since February 2012. Before that, he spent five years as a lieutenant and eight years as a captain working in fire suppression.
In total, he has been with the department for 22 years.
Brogan said the office of the fire chief spends the majority of its time dealing with fire prevention and education, but since he also has an extensive background of work in fire suppression he will have a good grasp on the work by all members of the department.
“The transition from a fire captain to a fire marshal is not a typical one because the marshal works with fire prevention, not suppression,” Brogan said. “You don’t usually have a suppression officer in that role, so by getting a look at both sides of the fire service, I have become very well-rounded, which will help in this new role as chief.”
He said he has been able to work closely with Gurka for the last two years as fire marshal and since being chosen to fill the position as chief, Brogan has been able to work with the former chief on a day-to-day basis and get caught up on current and future projects and to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Brogan was sworn in to the position by Mayor Daniel Paletko and said he was “tremendously excited” to take over as fire chief for the city.
“I’ve loved every moment of my career, so to be able to serve in this capacity is a tremendous honor and something I’m thrilled about,” Brogan said. “I have the best group of guys here that you could imagine and to serve with them is special.”
Gurka, fire chief since 2005, retired from the department and accepted a position as fire chief with the White Lake Township Fire Department.
He had been with the DHFD for 28 years and had served as the city’s fire inspector and fire marshal before spending eight years as chief.
Gurka was recognized last month at the final city council meeting of 2013, when several council members Paletko thanked him for his work as fire chief and wished him good luck moving forward.
Gurka addressed the council and said it was a team effort that allowed him to do his job.
“I really appreciate all the help that I have received from other city employees, the mayor and other department heads as fire chief,” Gurka said. “We were able to accomplish a lot of goals and tasks together.”
He also thanked the community for their support of the department.
“Over the years I’ve seen many Good Samaritans come to the aide of their fellow man and neighbor and they’ve been a tremendous help to our department,” Gurka said.
Deputy Fire Chief Russell McNamee Jr. will continue in his role as second in command of the DHFD.
(Bob Oliver can be reached at boliver@bewickpublications.com.)