The torch has been passed as Cleveland says farewell to a longstanding member of its firefighting community. The Cleveland Fire Department announced on social media the retirement of Assistant Chief Frank Szabo after a robust 33-year tenure. The retiring chief was lauded by both active and retired colleagues, who gathered at Station 1 to express their goodwill and congratulate him on his remarkable career.
Through his service, which concluded on the significant date of January 11—or “1/11,” symbolically echoing the fire code for a "working fire"—Szabo not only ascended through the ranks but also became an influential figure as President of the Cleveland Fire Fighters IAFF Local 93 from 2012-2016. During his presidency, he navigated the union through the stormy waters of layoffs, company closures, and political unrest. His rare combination of legal expertise and a command of language often marked him as a standout figure in the rigorous worlds of firefighting and labor negotiations.
The accolades for Szabo don't stop at his professional accomplishments. His colleagues highlight his tenacity and professionalism when faced with the intensity of fire grounds or the complex stratagems of contract negotiations. The fire department's statement notes that Szabo was "tenacious, dedicated and professional," according to Cleveland Fire, skills that undoubtedly served him well in his dual roles as a firefighter and union leader.
While the station's doors closed behind him for the last time, the echoes of Szabo’s impact are set to linger in the hallways he walked and among the firefighters he led and mentored. In recognition of his dedicated service, his peers, representing years of shared experiences, came together to honor his career and contributions. "His legal acumen, vocabulary, and loquacious presence are unmatched and irreplaceable," the Cleveland Fire Department's statement remembered him, suggesting the depth of his footprint on the department and the city he served.
