City of Huron Welcomes Fire Chief
Chief McGraw brings 22 years of dedicated fire service experience to the role. Most recently, Chief McGraw served as Assistant Fire Chief with Norwalk, where he demonstrated strong leadership in emergency response, personnel management, and public safety operations. Prior to his time at Norwalk, Chief McGraw spent 17 years with the Sandusky Fire Department climbing the ladder to Lieutenant before leaving in 2024 for Norwalk.
Throughout his career, Chief McGraw has emphasized professional standards, firefighter safety, and service to the community. At this point, he feels very fortunate to have gained the experience and the exposure he’s had throughout his career.
“Sandusky is a busy department that exposes you to all aspects of the job. Regular exposure to emergency situations helps to train you, while gaining confidence and skills to be successful in the fire service.” Chief McGraw’s strengths and background include fire suppression, emergency management, EMS, fire inspections, water rescues and HAZMAT training.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to be the Fire Chief in the city I was born, raised and currently reside in with my wife, Alicia, and two sons,” stated Chief McGraw. “I am committed to serving the Huron community and supporting its residents while continuing to provide reliable and effective fire protection; it’s a role I take very seriously.”
Chief McGraw plans to build upon the Department’s strengths. “We have great people who are educated and highly skilled responding to calls every day. We will continue to make sure they are well trained and equipped with the necessary equipment to continue with that high level of service. We will continue to strengthen our relationship with the citizens through public programs and be visible and approachable during our daily operations.”
In the short term, Chief McGraw looks forward to learning about the City’s operations and how his department fits into them. “From there we will look at ways to sharpen our abilities and operations. If necessary, we will add new ones and evaluate others that may not meet our standards.”
Chief McGraw’s long-term goal is to have the Huron Fire Department continue to be “the department the community is proud of and supports. We will always be there for them, but we cannot do our jobs effectively without their support and understanding.”
Mayor Monty Tapp welcomed the new chief, stating, “Chief McGraw brings a strong background in fire service leadership and a clear commitment to public safety. We are confident he will serve the City of Huron with professionalism and integrity.”
Fire Chief McGraw is prepared to provide strategic direction, operational excellence, and inspired leadership to ensure the highest standards of fire protection, emergency response, and public safety.
On a personal note, Chief McGraw wanted to be a firefighter as far back as he can remember. He would often visit the Huron Fire Department at a very young age. Following the Explorer Program in high school (Huron class of 2003), he accepted a position as a part time firefighter.
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm” are Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words that guide Chief McGraw’s motivation and successes.
Outside of his career, Chief McGraw enjoys camping, golfing, and hunting as well as attending his son’s sporting events with his wife.
The City of Huron extends a warm welcome to Chief McGraw and looks forward to his leadership in continuing to protect the safety and well-being of the Huron community.
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