The city of Mentor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronald A. Zak as Mentor Fire Chief effective January 17, 2025. He was formally sworn in by Mentor Municipal Judge John Trebets on February 11, 2025, with three previous chiefs in attendance.
Chief Zak has held every position in the Mentor Fire Department since being hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic in May 1991. Zak was promoted to Lieutenant in 1995, Battalion Chief in 2013, and as Deputy Chief in 2017 – a role he served in until accepting his new position.
He also served as a Technical Rescue Team Commander since 2000 and as an Urban Seach and Rescue Deputy Team Leader since 2013. Included among his certifications are that of Fulltime Fire Fighter, Paramedic, Fire Instructor, Fire Safety Inspector, TEEX Urban Search and Rescue Specialist, Technician level certifications in Hazardous Materials, Confined Space Rescue, Trench Rescue, Rope Rescue and Structural Collapse Rescue. Command certifications include Blue Card Incident Command and NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800.
Upon reflecting over his 30+ year career, Zak shared that he chose fire service because he wanted a career that was challenging and rewarding, but also one where he could make a difference in people’s lives.
“A shift rarely goes by without witnessing suffering. When we get the chance to help ease someone’s pain and make them feel a bit better on what is probably their worst day, there is satisfaction in that,” says Zak.
Zak’s goal in his new role is to be progressive in embracing new technologies and techniques as they arise.
“We want to continue to provide the most advanced equipment and technical training to our department and put the best trained personnel on the road in service of our community,” adds Zak, “Mentor residents place a lot of trust in us, and we need to assure them we are prepared to handle any emergency.
Zak was born and raised in Willowick and a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Cleveland. He graduated from Akron University in 1990 with an associate’s degree in Fire Science. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management / Homeland Security from Akron as well in 2015. In 2020, he received his masters degree in Public Administration Emergency Services from Columbia Southern University.
His interests include WWII history, finance, golf, bowling, and traveling. He lives in Mentor with his wife of 32 years, Margeret. Their son Ronald Jr., 26, is pursuing a career in New York as an actor.
Zak replaces former chief Bob Searles who retired late last year after 10 years in the position.