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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Roll of Honor

Chief
Age: 74
Year of Death: 2008

Paul W. Swander

Paul perished from injuries received in a fall at the Ohio City Fire House while fueling a generator in preparation for a predicted winter storm. He was born on July 5‚ 1933‚ in Mercer County‚ Ohio and married Rhea (Boroff) Swander on September 10‚ 1955.

Joining as a member of the Ohio City Volunteer Fire Department in 1954 and serving as acting Chief since 1984‚ he served his community proudly for many years and was a member of the Northwest Ohio Firefighters Association. In 1968‚ along with a fellow firefighter‚ Paul helped to organize an emergency squad in Ohio City. They ordered their first emergency unit from the Horton Company in 1970. He also helped to organize the Van Wert County Firefighters Association and the 911 Emergency system for the county. All three of his sons‚ and two of his grandsons‚ have also each spent time serving the department.

He was a member of the Ohio City Church of God and served as a 50 year member of the Masons through the Eureka Lodge No. 592 where he had served as past master of the lodge in 1965. The Masons awarded him the 2008 Community Service Award by the 881 Masons in Mercer‚ Paulding‚ Putnam & Van Wert Counties of the 4th Masonic District.

He had been employed by Walled Lake Door Company in Ohio City and retired from The National Seal (Federal Mogul) in 1996 where he worked as a truck driver. After his retirement he dedicated much time to the department and also helped with one son’s local family business. He was very active in the lives of his children‚ grandchildren & great grandchildren.

Chief was a mentor to the department. After family‚ the department was his second love in life. His dedication to the department and to the fire service in his community is unsurpassed. To him‚ and all the others who are gone but not forgotten‚ may God bless you and keep you. Thank you for all you gave each and every day so unselfishly. You will always be loved.

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