Seven Hills is without its top firefighter this week after Fire Chief James A. "Jamie" Meklemburg Jr. died Sunday at age 47, according to officials and his family. A career suburban firefighter and paramedic, Meklemburg was the first full-time chief in city history. His family has scheduled public visitation and a funeral Mass in the coming days.
From Valley View to Seven Hills
Meklemburg entered the fire service as a part-time firefighter in Valley View in 2001, moved into a full-time role there in 2006, and later joined the Brooklyn Heights Fire Department, where he rose to lieutenant in 2018, according to WKYC. He was sworn in as Seven Hills' first full-time fire chief on February 11, 2020, by Mayor Anthony Biasiotta, per a city newsletter (City of Seven Hills).
Services and Visitation
Public visitation is set for Sunday, Apr. 12, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Busch Funeral and Crematory Services in Parma, with a Mass of Christian burial scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at St. Columbkille Church, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery, according to Busch Funeral and Crematory Services. The funeral notice states the family suggests memorial contributions to the Allison Rose Foundation.
City Shares Memories
In a Facebook post, the City of Seven Hills said Meklemburg "led the department with dedication, professionalism and a strong commitment to public safety and service to residents," a message reported by WKYC. City officials did not immediately provide additional information about the circumstances of his death, the station noted.
On the Job
In January, Meklemburg spoke with News 5 Cleveland about a deadly Seven Hills house fire, describing how crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames. His city staff biography highlights decades of training and paramedic experience, credentials colleagues say shaped how he handled emergencies (City of Seven Hills). Firefighters from neighboring communities and area chiefs have posted public condolences to his family and department.
Survivors and Remembrance
Meklemburg is survived by his wife, Kelly, and their children, Sophia and James. The funeral home notes the family requests memorials be directed to the Allison Rose Foundation, per Busch Funeral and Crematory Services, and that interment will follow the Mass of Christian burial at All Saints Cemetery.
