New VWFD captain, lieutenant sworn in

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Two Van Wert firefighters moved up the ladder Friday with a swearing-in ceremony held in Van Wert City Council Chambers. Lieutenant Craig King was promoted to captain, replacing retiring Roger Wurst, while Firefighter David Cummings was promoted to lieutenant to replace King.

Van Wert Fire Chief Jim Steele went over some of the requirements for advancement in the fire department before Mayor Don Farmer swore in both men.

Captain King joined the Van Wert Fire Department in 1988 as a reserve firefighter.  In 1989 he received appointment as a full time firefighter and completed his paramedic training in 1992.  During his career at VWFD he has achieved certifications as a fire safety officer, fire safety inspector, and fire service instructor.  Capt. King is also a hazardous material technician, confined space rescuer, and ice rescuer.

Captain King was promoted to lieutenant in 2009, and, as a result, has completed the NIMS 400 Advanced ICS Command and General Staff course, he is Blue Card Command certified and has completed the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Fire Officer 1 course.  Capt. King has fulfilled and demonstrated the requisite skills and knowledge for the National Fire Protection Associations 1021 Fire Officer 1 requirements.

Capt. King resides in Middle Point with his wife, Jody, and his four children, Addison, Macaulee, Shannon and Sydney.  King is also Middle Point fire chief, while his oldest son, Addison, is a reserve Van Wert firefighter.

Lt. Cummings joined the Van Wert Fire Department in 1999 as a reserve firefighter.  In 2001 he received his appointment as a full time Firefighter/Paramedic, realizing a long-term goal and allowing him to serve as a second generation Van Wert Firefighter. He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in fire and emergency services from Hocking College. During his career at VWFD he achieved certifications as a certified fire safety inspector and a fire service instructor.  Lt. Cummings is also a hazardous materials technician and confined space rescuer. He has completed training in numerous specialized rescue disciplines including structural collapse, high angle rope, trench rescue, Ice rescue, and firefighter rapid intervention teams.

Lt. Cummings is a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 681 and works on the Department’s Committee for Health and Wellness.  The newly sworn in fire lieutenant is also a member of the Allen County Urban search and rescue team and works as a fire instructor striving to improve the level of service to area communities by educating new and veteran firefighters.

His most recent career achievements are the completion of the NIMS 300 Intermediate ICS for expanding incidents, he is Blue Card Command certified and has completed the Ohio Fire Chiefs Fire Officer 1 course.

“Lt. Cummings has fulfilled and demonstrated the requisite skills and knowledge for the National Fire Protection Associations 1021 Fire Officer 1 requirements,” said Fire Chief Jim Steele.

Lt. Cummings resides in Van Wert County with his wife, Kristie, and two daughters, Kendall and Kyleigh.  He is the son of Dennis and Sharon Cummings, and the grandson of Pat Crowe. When not working he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and physical fitness activities.

Both his father, a 10-year veteran of the Van Wert Fire Department who also spent 18 years as an arson investigator for the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and mother were on hand for the swearing in.

Dennis Cummings said he was proud of his son, adding that he knew the younger Cummings was destined to become a firefighter when he told by teachers when his son was in first- or second grade that his son was drawing pictures of burning buildings.

“I told them ‘it’s no problem, I work for the fire department,'” the older Cummings said, adding that his son has always just wanted to put out fires.