Rossford council OKs Drouard as fire chief

3/11/2014

Rossford City Council on Monday unanimously approved the appointment of a fire chief to replace Jim Verbosky, who was forced to resign or retire after sending sexually suggestive text messages to a female firefighter.

Josh Drouard, 44, the Rossford department’s assistant chief, will be paid $63,960 after his promotion. He joined the volunteer department in 1987.

Mr. Drouard said his first priority was to restore morale, which has suffered because of Mr. Verbosky’s alleged behavior. The department’s only full-time position is the chief’s.

Council also gave its unanimous approval to the appointment of Ryan Stautzenbach as assistant chief. He is a Toledo firefighter assigned to Station 5 and will work 20 hours a week for Rossford at an hourly rate of $18.50.

Mr. Stautzenbach joined the Rossford department in 2000.