Firefighter retiring with 33 years service

VW independent/submitted information

With over 33 years of honorable service to the City of Van Wert, Firefighter James L. Bloomfield will retire on Saturday, April 2.

Firefighter Bloomfield was hired by former FireChief Paul H. Baer on January 10, 1983. Bloomfield has served the city in many capacities as a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, lieutenant, fire inspector, hazardous material technician, confined space rescuer, and ice/water rescuer.

During his career, he has attended the Ohio Fire Academy, National Fire Academy, Bowling Green University’s State Fire School, Rhodes State College, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from Concordia University in Wisconsin.

Bloomfield was very dedicated, active, and involved in all phases of department operations, training, EMS Protocol development, inventory management and equipment purchases. He is a member of Van Wert Professional Firefighters Local 681, the Van Wert Family YMCA, Elks Lodge 1197, and St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert.

During retirement, Bloomfield plans on traveling, volunteering, and spending more time with his wife, Julie. He has three adult children: Melissa Bloomfield, and Evan and Grace Hammons.