A SPECIAL GATHERING — Three former Toronto fire chiefs were on hand for the administration of oaths to Ryan Boyd, the city’s new fire chief, and Steven Sable, a new city firefighter. On hand for the occasion were, from left, Sable; former fire chiefs Larry Lukacena, Frank McEwen, Bill Scheel; Boyd; and Mayor John Parker, who administered oaths to the new chief and firefighter. -- Warren Scott

TORONTO — The city’s new fire chief is no stranger to residents of the Gem City, having served the local fire department for 16 years.

Oaths were administered to Ryan Boyd on Nov. 13, making the transition in leadership from former chief Bill Scheel official.

Boyd had been named interim chief following Scheel’s retirement in July after 30 years in the department.

Prior to his appointment, Boyd served as a captain.

Mayor John Parker also administered oaths to Steven Sable, a Rayland native who has joined the city’s staff of paid firefighters after serving as a firefighter in Washington, D.C., for a few years.

Boyd said he became interested in firefighting at an early age and started as a 13-year-old junior firefighter for Bergholz’ volunteer department.

He said the job can be exciting, and he appreciates the opportunity to help many people.

Scheel noted Boyd had worked closely with him, especially in his last year as chief.

“I think the city is in very capable hands. I’m not worried about the state of the department at all,” he said.

Boyd played a key role in preparing the specifications for a new pumper truck and a new ladder truck for the fire department and promotion of a bond issue to support their purchase.

He also was instrumental in the department extending its service to about 4,000 residents in the Knox Township area.

A lack of manpower for a volunteer department serving that area led to the move, which involved the Toronto department acquiring its Knoxville station and equipment.