Seminole Fire Rescue officially promoted four firefighters Nov. 27 at City Hall. From left are Lt. Derek Raymer, District Chief John Schmidt, District Chief William Morelli and Lt. Matt Seib.
EMINOLE – Seminole Fire Rescue officially promoted four fire officers Nov. 27 during the city’s most recent City Council meeting at City Hall.
Chief George Bessler appeared before council members to introduce and promote the four firefighters – two to the rank of lieutenant and two to district chief.
The promotions were the result of two recent chief officer retirements.
Promoted to district chief were William Morelli and John Schmidt. Derek Raymer and Matt Seib were promoted to lieutenant.
Morelli has been with the department since 2000 and has served as a firefighter/paramedic and lieutenant. He also is a HAZMAT and technical rescue responder. His background includes an extensive background as a fire officer, instructor, fire inspector and he has an associate’s degree in fire science. He and his wife Nicole have two children.
Schmidt, who has been with the fire department since 1991, has progressed through the ranks as a firefighter/EMT and lieutenant. He also is a member of the HAZMAT team and is an adjunct instructor at the Fire Academy. He is a certified fire officer, fire inspector HAZMAT technician, and wildland firefighter. Schmidt has an Associate in Science degree in fire science and a master’s degree in fire safety management. He and his wife Debbie have two children.
Raymer is a 16-year veteran firefighter-paramedic who has been active as a driver, preceptor paramedic, HAZMAT responder, and a member of the department’s operations advisory and wellness committees. He also holds an associate’s degree in emergency medical services. He and his wife Victoria have three children.
Seib has been with the department since 2006 and has been a firefighter/EMT, as well as an engine, squad and ladder truck driver. He is also a HAZMAT responder, fire investigator, fire instructor, fire inspector and has a bachelor’s degree in criminology. He and his wife Selena have two children.
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