By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher looked at City Council chambers Monday evening and decided not to dawdle when he saw seven city firefighters standing in the back of the room.
“We’re going to make this quick,” the mayor said, since the evening shift showed up for the swearing in of their fellow firefighter Tony Zmarzly as deputy chief.
“This is one of the really fun parts of the job,” Aspacher said as he prepared to give Zmarzly the oath of office.
“Tony has worked hard for many years, showing his commitment to the community of Bowling Green,” Aspacher said.
Zmarzly was not only supported by his comrades, but also surrounded by his family, including wife, Sarah.
After the oath of office, Fire Chief Bill Moorman talked about the man just promoted to second in command.
“Tonight I want to introduce to you a person that I have had the privilege of knowing for the last 23 years. In that time, I have witnessed Tony develop into not only a great firefighter and EMT, but also a great leader,” Moorman said.
“Tony exemplifies what it takes to excel in his chosen profession. His commitment to the community is unwavering. Tony is what makes BG Fire one of the greatest fire departments in the country,” the chief said.
Firefighters try to live by the three C’s – courage, compassion and commitment, Moorman said. Zmarzly has achieved that goal.
“Tony has not only earned the respect of his peers – he has earned their friendship and trust.”
“Tony has not done this on his own,” the chief said. “It takes a strong family to survive in this sometimes very difficult career. His family has had to sacrifice many Christmases, birthdays and sleepless nights when Tony is either at work or at an emergency scene for hours on end.”
“So to his family, I say ‘thank you for your sacrifice,’” Moorman said.
“Tony, I know you will continue to serve the community and your fellow firefighters with the highest integrity,” the chief said to Zmarzly.
