Key Personnel
John A. Zangerle, President
Retired Partner of Baker & Hostetler LLP. Museum life member, avid fire buff and collector. Graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Jim Byrne, Vice President
Jim started in the fire service at the age of 14 as a cadet with his local volunteer department, where he remains active. He was hired by the Cleveland Division of Fire in October of 2000 and promoted to Lieutenant in 2018. He worked at Technical Rescue 1 until recently when he was assigned to the Fire Training Academy.
Andrew Czarzasty, Secretary
Andrew currently leads operations, finances and expansion for The Salerno Group’s current concepts in Ohio and South Carolina. He also maintains a small private law practice, primarily in areas of business, contracting, real estate, construction, zoning and environmental law. Andrew received a BA from Ohio Northern University in 2007 and his Juris Doctorate from Cleveland- Marshall College of Law in 2010.
Raymond Kotecki, Treasurer
Ray retired from Eaton Corporation in 2015 where he served as Vice President – Tax Operations in the U.S. Headquarters located in Beachwood, Ohio. He has served on the Museum’s Board since 2009 and has participated in numerous work projects and fundraising. Ray has a BBA in Accounting from Cleveland State University and a MBA in Finance from the University of Akron.
Jim Bell
Retired Lieutenant after 32 years of service from the Cleveland Hts. fire Department. Ohio certified EMT, Paramedic and firefighter. Held certification as a Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, and was credentialed as a Fire Investigator. Museum Life member and active volunteer.
Scott D. Giesler
ABC Northern Ohio Chapter, Retired, Scott served in a variety of not-for-profit management positions at organizations throughout Northeast Ohio for more than 40 years. His main areas of focus were education, workforce development, and membership.
Scott’s interest in the fire service began at a young age when his father joined the local volunteer fire department. He followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the fire department when he turned 18. A highlight for Scott was helping the fire department restore their original fire truck they purchased from collectors to award-winning condition.
Today, Scott has a total of three antique fire trucks in his personal collection, ranging in age from 36 to 102 years old.
Patricia Poole, Esq.
Patricia is a retired registered nurse and attorney who spends much of her time volunteering for nonprofit organizations such as the Fire Museum. In addition, she performs volunteer services for Hospice of the Western Reserve, enjoys reading, gardening and golf.
Museum Staff
Paul Nelson, Historian
nelsonp@wrfmc.com
Joan Oliver, Office Administrator
oliverj@wrfmc.com