Company boosts Vienna fire chief's morale with new tires | News, Sports, Jobs

Submitted photo From left, Diehl Chevrolet of Hermitage service manager Eric Kramer, Vienna Fire Chief Richard Brannon and Diehl Chevrolet service employee Anthony Popovitch pose in front of Brannon's newly repaired fire engine June 14. Dealership general manager Joe Pantone had Brannon install new tires and perform other vehicle services free of charge. The department is struggling with staffing and finances.

VIENNA — Car wheels go round in circles, but that wasn't the case for Vienna's fire chief, whose vehicle's tires were completely worn out.

That's when Diehl Chevrolet of Hermitage stepped in to provide new tires and service the 2016 Ford Utility Police Interceptor, which is Fire Chief Richard Brannon's work vehicle.

Diehl Chevrolet reached out to help after hearing about the fire department's struggles, which included going all-volunteer earlier this year after township officials confirmed it was $1.3 million in debt.

“I'm very grateful that there are people watching what's happening here.” Brannon said: “It's very comforting that they did this for me.

“I thank them from the bottom of my heart for doing this. There are not enough hugs, handshakes and thank yous.”

The act of generosity included free tires, a front-end alignment, two tire stem replacements and an oil change.

Dealership general manager Joe Pantone said he decided to take action after seeing a fundraiser for Vienna Fire and Emergency Services in the news.

“Corina Diehl, the owner of our dealership, is very supportive of the help,” Pantone said. “These people are in a difficult situation, and it's not their fault. Anytime we can leave our mark on the cities around us, we do it.”

Although invisible, the border between the state and Vienna does not prevent firefighters from Vienna, Hermitage and Sharon from responding to calls for mutual aid.

“If something were to happen to one of our properties or one of the homes of the people in that area, all of these fire departments would step in and support each other,” Pantone said.

Brannon couldn't remember the last time the vehicle's tires were replaced.

Trustee Phil Pegg said the township still does not have the funds to hire laid-off firefighters and emergency medical services workers.

Fire department taxes generate over $200,000 while police department taxes generate over $350,000.

Among the laid-off employees is Fire Capt. Eric Ginn, who said he is concerned about the loss of income and the inability to serve his community.

He has worked in the fire department for nearly two decades.

“There are a lot of good citizens who support us, love us and get these taxes and other things passed for us,” he said. “It's terrible.”

He said that since his firing, he and two other department employees have lost their benefits. Among them, Capt. Renee Waldo and Fire Department Medic Ken Jones.

“They owe us sick leave, vacation pay, uniform pay and we are also supposed to receive notice of retention,” Ginn said. “I have never received a retirement pension in 20 years.”

Ginn said he has a few part-time jobs and is looking for a new full-time job, but still plans to volunteer with the Vienna Fire Department.