Diehl named Fire Lieutenant in “Something Special” Ceremony

The weather was sparkling on Thursday morning, with temperatures in the 60’s and not a cloud in the sky. It was a cheerful day, and the outdoor environment carried on inside the Fire Department on North Court Street where activities were underway for the internal promotion of Chance Diehl to Fire Lieutenant.

“There’s something special about working in the city that you grew up in,” said new Fire Lieutenant Diehl. He is currently living in South Bloomfield but, with the new promotion, looks forward to moving back to Circleville.

Diehl grew up in Circleville and graduated from Circleville High School in 2017. He expressed great appreciation for Guidance Counselor Kara Schooley who supported his career choice from the start. With her guidance, Diehl was able to take steps while in high school that prepared him for the requirements to apply for fire school right out of high school.

“Today is a great day for the Circleville Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Brian Thompson. “I had the good fortune to see Chance grow up in the fire service at my former departments in Pickaway and Harrison Township. He’s come a long way. He picked up a lot of responsibility helping Captain Kavanaugh with EMS supply and he’s our new ride-along liaison. He assisted Captain Shroyer as acting lieutenant when needed. It’s been a pleasure for me to see Chance grow into the firemen we all knew he could be.”

Fire Chief Thompson also noted that Diehl, along with Brandon Thompson, was “Co-Firefighter of the Year” in 2023. Chief Thompson then called up Captain Shroyer and allowed him to place the new badge on the new Fire Lieutenant Diehl.

When asked for advice on being safe in the coming summer months, Diehl expressed the importance of taking frequent breaks by going back inside and cooling off when the temperature is in the 80’s or 90’s. Staying hydrated was also mentioned. He advocated for drinks like Gatorade that can replenish electrolytes but also recommended a cup of water for each cup of Gatorade consumed.

Regarding fire prevention in the home, he pointed out that electrical fires were the leading cause. He advised against “just winging it” when doing electrical repairs at home. He also recommended having two AB Fire Extinguishers, one for the kitchen and one for the bedroom.

Sharing the ceremony with Diehl was his fiancée Jasmine Sparks. Stealing the spotlight was his two-year-old son, Theodore.