History of the Fire Department

Beginnings

The Norton Fire Division was formed in 1943 and started answering calls in November of 1945. EMS service began in 1979. The first fire station was located under the town hall, which was located at the corner of Greenwich Road and Cleveland-Massillon Road.

Chiefs

The first Fire Chief was Glenn Kee, who served from 1944 to 1975. James Mills was Norton's first full-time Fire Chief, followed by Michael Antoniotti, and Keith Moore.

Chief Rodger Ramsthaler, who was with the department since June of 1973, took over as Fire Chief in July of 1998. He retired as Chief on March 31, 2006, and then continued to serve the Department as a part-time Lieutenant firefighter until June 2014.

Chief James Calco was hired to the City on April 3, 2006. Chief Calco came to the City of Norton after retiring from a long career as the City of Stow's District Fire Chief. Deciding to take his career in firefighting in a different path, Chief Calco resigned from his position on September 21, 2007, and Captain Mike Schultz assumed responsibilities as Interim Fire Chief. He was then hired to full-time Fire Chief on October 22, 2007.

In May of 2015, the Division shifted to a full-time manned station by promoting nine part-time firefighters to full-time status. This led to the creation and fulfillment of full-time Assistant Fire Chief. Having worked for the Division part-time since 1989, Fire/Medic Michael Copen was chosen to fill the position and is currently active in this role.

After almost 33 years with the City of Norton, Chief Schultz announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2024. Asst. Chief Michael Copen assumed responsibilities as Interim Fire Chief as the process commenced for a new chief. The City of Norton announced on February 14, 2025, the eighth Chief of Norton Fire, Adam Papp. Chief Papp was sworn in to his new position on February 18, 2025. 

Members

The fire division is responsible for protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Norton. A vast majority of our members are state certified Paramedics/Firefighters. 

Trucks

To help us do our job, we have multiple vehicles, specially equipped to handle emergency needs.

  • Three Medical Units (ambulances)
  • Two Fire Engines
  • 1 Rescue Engine 
  • 1 Tanker Truck
  • 1 Grass Fire Truck (Donated to NFD by the Norton Firemen's Association in 2003.)