What They Do

Deputy Chiefs – oversee one of two fire divisions, Operations or Administration. The deputy chiefs will trade responsibilities every two years to maximize cross training and leadership development. Operations encompasses fire suppression and emergency medical services. Administration includes areas such as accreditation, personnel, training, vehicle maintenance and career development.

The command staff of the Washington Township Fire Department (WTFD) is again at full staffing, with the appointment of two deputy fire chiefs, two captains and one lieutenant.

The leadership positions were filled with Washington Township firefighters following the retirement last summer of Chief Ken Parks and the appointment of Deputy Chief Bill Gaul to the post of fire chief.

“It’s an exciting time for the fire department,” said Deputy Administrator Jesse Lightle. “Hiring from within provides the setting for a nearly seamless transition. Our command staff knows the history and practices of our organization and already has been involved in achieving the department’s high standards. The new leadership offers the best of both worlds – history with fresh ideas.”

Two new deputy fire chiefs – Bob Kidd and Jim Neidhard – were promoted from the rank of captain. Replacing them as captains are Scott Kujawa, a former township fire lieutenant, and Michael Guadagno, previously a part-time township firefighter and full-time lieutenant for the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Fire Department. At the same time, firefighter Joel Holbrook was promoted to lieutenant.

“We were able to look within because our employees have taken the initiative to undertake the educational component and develop themselves into leaders,” Lightle said. For instance, both Kidd and Neidhard are enrolled in master’s degree programs in public administration and are graduates of the Ohio Fire Executive Program of the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association.

“These dedicated and professional firefighters now have the opportunity to fully utilize the practical skills and leadership ability they have spent years developing,” said Chief Gaul. “Each excelled during the selection process. They bring a lot to the department and to their positions.” The officer selection process included at least two interviews, plus extensive testing for captains and lieutenants.

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Who They Are

Deputy Chief Jim Neidhard
As fire captain since 2000, he has served as a shift commander and accreditation manager. He chairs the department’s Wellness and Safety Committee and coordinates the firefighter fitness program.

His achievements include initiating the department’s volunteer honor guard; reorganizing the department’s rescue services programs; and working with the Strategic Plan Committee. Deputy Chief Neidhard is enrolled in the Wright State University master’s program in public administration and has a bachelor of science degree from The Ohio State University and an associate degree in public safety administration from Sinclair Community College.

Deputy Chief Bob Kidd
Since being appointed captain in 2001, he has served as a shift commander and scheduling officer, been responsible for the EMS budget and EMS quality improvement, and assisted with fire and EMS training sessions.

Deputy Chief Kidd coordinates the largest fire department CPR program in Ohio, training more than 2,000 people per year, and has achieved some of the highest pass rates in the state. Last fall, he traveled to Thailand to help develop its EMS system. He is enrolled in the University of Dayton master’s program in public administration and has a bachelor of science degree in public safety administration from Capital University.

Capt. Scott Kujawa
Captain Kujawa brings 15 years of WTFD experience to his post. As a lieutenant since 2006, he oversaw operations at station 44 and purchased the department uniforms, protective clothing and electronic equipment. He was hired as a full-time firefighter in 1998 and before that worked six years as a volunteer and part-time firefighter/paramedic for the township. He has attended Sinclair in fire/EMS administration and has taken leadership courses at the National Fire Academy.

Capt. Michael Guadagno
In addition to his full-time career with the WPAFB Fire Department, Captain Guadagno has worked as a part-time WTFD firefighter and paramedic since 2002. He also was a firefighter for the US Coast Guard in New York City for a year and served six years in the US Navy where his fire-related jobs included station captain. Captain Guadagno has an associate degree in EMS & fire administration from Sinclair and attended Franklin University in public safety management.

Lt. Joel Holbrook
Lt. Holbrook brings nearly 15 years experience with five area departments to his new post. He joined the township in 1993 as a part-time firefighter/EMT and in 2002 became a full-time firefighter/paramedic. He has served five years as a full-time firefighter for Riverside Fire Department, worked part time for four departments, and is an instructor at Warren County Career Center.