BROOK PARK, Ohio — After more than three decades of service, Eric Fike has been named chief of the Brook Park Fire Department.
Fike officially took over the role May 5, bringing with him 31 years of experience with the department and a deep personal connection to the job.
He told the News Sun that his decision to pursue a career in fire service was shaped by a traumatic injury as a teenager and the calm professionalism of the paramedics who helped him.
When I was 15 years old, I broke my leg in three spots,” Fike said. “Everything around me became so chaotic. My parents called 911, and the chaos melted away as the medics who arrived methodically stabilized me for transport and calmed my fears. I earned a new respect for that job that day and wanted to be someone people could count on during their worst days.”
Fike wrote to local departments for advice, pursued EMT and paramedic certifications at his community college, and was hired by Brook Park, which sent him through the fire academy.
Over the years, he took on new responsibilities and leadership roles.
“I have been employed by Brook Park Fire for over 30 years,” he said. “Some of the most defining moments of my career are finding new challenges to take on. I learned from a young age, if you feel you might be able to do something better, then step up and make the change yourself.”
He was promoted to lieutenant in 2007, senior lieutenant/captain in 2013, and fire chief in 2025. He said several calls have stuck with him, including one that highlighted the importance of quick decision-making and training.
“As a Lieutenant, we responded to a house fire when, upon entry to the second floor to extinguish the fire, we entered with zero visibility and extreme heat. It caused the first firefighter to get burned through his gear,” Fike said. “Even though I was at the window, I decided to pull my crew back down and called for exterior ventilation of the window. When they vented the window, it was like a scene out of ‘Backdraft’ with the fire blowing out the window and the area we just retreated from, flashed over to the floor. I realized then how important it was to be trained to be situationally aware of dangers. Without that, this situation could have turned catastrophic.”
As chief, Fike said he’s focused on leadership that supports both the firefighters and the community they serve.
“I am extremely proud to be promoted to the position to lead this fire department. It’s a combination of years of hard work, dedication and growth. It’s a commitment to serve others at the highest level,” he said. “Being a Fire Chief is about making sure our people have the training, resources and support they need to go home safely after every call. It’s about setting the tone for integrity, accountability and compassion, both inside the station and out in the community. It’s about leaving the department stronger and more capable for the next generation. I don’t take any of this lightly.”
He said his priorities include improving communication within the department, collaborating with city leadership, and ensuring the department is ready for a variety of emergencies.
“My top priority is building strong communication and trust within the department and in the community. We owe it to our firefighters and our citizens to stay sharp, adaptable, and ready for anything, from medical calls, structure fires to large-scale incidents,” Fike said. “I’ll also be working closely with city leadership and other agencies to ensure we’re aligned on long-term planning, resource management, and emergency response strategies. My focus is on listening, learnin,g and leading with purpose.”
Like other suburbs, Brook Park has seen a sharp increase in call volume.
“We have seen a 43% increase of calls in the last 10 years, which is similar to surrounding communities,” he said. “Mayor Orcutt is acutely aware of our departmental needs and has been very supportive of our ability to provide superior services for Brook Park.”
Fike said the department will continue evolving to meet growing demand and public needs.
“I see the department evolving through community risk reduction to help prevent fires and reduce the risk of incidents. The department might need to increase staffing and invest more in training to handle all incidents efficiently,” he said. “We also need to improve operational efficiency by reducing response times and streamlining communication. At the same time, enhancing partnerships with healthcare and social service providers to assist vulnerable populations.”
He also wants residents to understand the full scope of work that firefighters handle.
“Many people think of firefighters only during emergencies, but the reality is that our work goes far beyond putting out fires,” Fike said. “Our department will respond to medical emergencies, technical rescues, car accidents, hazardous material spills and more. When not involved in the mitigation of the emergencies, firefighters spend time training to stay sharp, physical fitness and agility, inspecting equipment, conducting fire safety inspections, public education, and preparing for high-risk situations, that hopefully will never happen. It takes physical, mental, and emotional commitment to show up ready for any type of call.”
Fike said community involvement is key to the department’s mission. That includes education, outreach and visibility.
“We use multiple ways of outreach to involve the community. For starters, ever noticed the front doors remain open? The station is always open for our residents,” he said. “We are also a preceptor location for students to get clinical experience from the main Paramedic schools in the area. The city newsletter does a post about the FD. Social media is used to give links for information from the Fire Department.”
He added that the department has installed more than 450 smoke detectors in homes through a partnership with the American Red Cross and continues to participate in community events like Touch a Truck, block parties and safety programs in schools.
“If you want to come see us, our main fire station at 17401 Holland Rd will be having an open house with displays on Saturday, July 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Fike said.
Outside of work, Fike said staying active helps him stay prepared for the physical and mental demands of the job.
“It’s important to stay physically fit, especially for firefighters. This profession has exciting moments, but you have to be ready for the 0 to 100 ramp-up when calls come in,” he said. “I’ve always tried to keep an active lifestyle outside of work, and if it involves being outside, in any weather, it is usually when I’m the happiest. I enjoy endurance road and mountain biking, hiking, snow skiing, and spending time traveling with my family.”
For those interested in joining the fire service, he encouraged early preparation and personal discipline.
“Brook Park Fire requires that the candidate has all schooling completed prior to their appointment. That would include a high school diploma, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic and Ohio Professional Firefighter,” he said.
Fike detailed how students can pursue EMT and firefighter programs through local high schools or community colleges and noted that the department has several openings expected in the near future.
“It is a rewarding job that stays interesting, active and provides a sustaining salary,” he said. “Keep yourself out of trouble and start working on improving your fitness.”
He also emphasized that technical skills are important, but communication and compassion set the best firefighters apart.
“Becoming a firefighter requires a combination of personal skills that help you perform under pressure, work as a team and serve the community with professionalism and compassion,” he said. “Do everything you can to learn to talk to people. Technology is important, but interpersonal skills will make you shine in every situation. Every interaction is a time you can learn things about other people. Treat every experience as if it’s an interview.”,
