CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A familiar face to public service was appointed to Chillicothe City Council on Tuesday.
Tuesday evening the Ross County Republican Central Committee voted to appoint Steve Barnes to replace 4th Ward city councilman, Terrell Fairrow who resigned earlier this month to continue his education.
Barnes, a life long resident of the 4th ward, is a proud Eastender, according to a news release sent out Tuesday night.
“The deterioration of the infratructure and neighborhood blight in the 4th ward is of great concern to him,” the release from the county party read. “He would like to see enforcement and improvement of city nuisance ordinances as a beginning of reclaiming the 4th ward neighborhoods.”
Barnes is well acquainted with public service and city government, serving 25 years with the Chillicothe Fire Department. Starting as a Firefighter and EMT, he was Assistant Fire Chief at the time of his retirement in 2011. During his career, he earned certifications as a Paramedic, Fire Safety Inspector, and Arson Investigator.
Since retirement Barnes has continued public service as a reserve deputy Sheriff where he served in Project Lifesaver and the SHIP program. He has also volunteered with American Red Cross doing public fire prevention and has installed thousands of free smoke detectors in numerous Southern Ohio counties for citizens in need, the release read.
Barnes will have to run for re-election this November if he wishes to retain the seat.