Parma Names New Fire Chief, Assistant Chief

Parma Fire Chief Mike Lasky, left, and Assistant Chief Tony Dalesio

Parma has announced the hiring for its top two Fire Department positions.

Captain Michael Lasky will be promoted to become the city’s new Fire Chief, and Captain Anthony Dalesio will be named new Assistant Chief. They will replace Chief John French and Assistant Chief Dennis Ryan, who are vacating the positions due to retirement.

Lasky has been with the Parma Fire Department since 1995. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2008 and has served as Captain since January 2013. He will assume the duties of Fire Chief upon the retirement of French this summer.

Dalesio, who has been serving in the role of interim Assistant Chief since Ryan’s retirement in February, was hired as a firefighter and paramedic in 1986, and has steadily risen through the ranks as Lieutenant and Captain. He will immediately assume the duties as Assistant Chief.

Safety Director Greg Baeppler had this to say after announcing the promotions: “We had the luxury of interviewing four extremely good candidates for these jobs. We are confident that we have chosen well, and that our new chief and assistant chief will provide outstanding leadership for the department.”

Baeppler also praised the service of outgoing Chief French and Assistant Chief Ryan. “We appreciate the years of service and leadership they have provided, and we wish them well in retirement.” French was with the department since 1983, and Ryan since 1982.

Said Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter, who was also on the selection committee: “I am impressed by the caliber of the candidates who applied for these positions. I look forward to working with Chief Lasky and Assistant Chief Dalesio.”