Historic and Proud Night for the Euclid Fire Department
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 marked the end of one era and the beginning of another for the Euclid Fire Department (EFD). Chief Tom Cosgriff, who served the residents for over 33 years, retired. This necessitated the promotion of a new chief and other officers within the EFD.
After graduating from Euclid High School in 1974 and the Ohio State University in 1978 with an Accounting degree, he tested for the EFD in 1979. Cosgriff was hired by the EFD on January 6, 1981, when he was sworn in as a cadet firefighter. As the field of emergency medical services expanded to fire departments in the mid-80’s, Cosgriff was one of a number of Euclid’s first paramedics. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1994, captain in 1998, assistant chief in 2002, and ultimately, chief in 2004. During this time, he earned an Associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology from Lakeland Community College.
As chief, he led the EFD through some turbulent economic times and was forced to balance the needs of the EFD with the mandates of the economy and City administration. During his tenure he had the pleasure of hiring 33 new firefighter/paramedics from 2006 to 2014. Also during this time, he promoted 18 members to higher ranks within the department. In 2010, under his leadership, the EFD was the recipient of the “Organization of the Year” from the Euclid Chamber of Commerce.
His plans in retirement include home repairs and travelling, possibly to Ireland. As one Cosgriff retires, he has two sons following in his footsteps with careers in the fire service.
As one chapter ends for the EFD with the retirement of Cosgriff, another begins with the promotion of Christopher Haddock to chief. Chief Haddock joined the EFD on October 12, 1990. He is a graduate of Cleveland State University with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is also a graduate of the Ohio Fire Executive program offered through the Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation. Chief Haddock, a Euclid resident, has played an active role throughout his career with the EFD. A state certified paramedic, fire instructor and fire safety inspector, he was promoted to lieutenant in 2001, captain in 2006, platoon chief in 2010, assistant chief in 2013, and finally, chief on February 18. He has completed his Fire Officer 1, 2, and 3 training and is recognized as an Incident Safety Officer. He has provided CPR training to hundreds of residents and businesses, represented the EFD at neighborhood meetings and played an active role at civic events.
Chief Haddock is a student of the job who has the vision and courage to make the EFD better than it already is. During 2014, he plans on working towards creating a vision statement, establishing department values, and beginning the creation of a strategic plan for the future of the EFD.
The EFD prides itself on providing honorable and dedicated service to the community. We look forward to providing quality customer service and arriving promptly to handle your emergency. As always, call us if you need us. Please check your smoke detectors frequently and have an escape plan in the event of a fire. Be well, be safe, and be smart!