Capt. Bruce Elliott Named Mayfield Heights Fire Chief

Bruce Elliott will take a ceremonial oath of office on Monday as the new fire chief.

Elliott was hired on Aug. 3, 1993, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2002 and captain in 2009. He became a certified fire safety inspector in 1993 and has inspected fires of unknown origin throughout the Hillcrest area.

He is also a CPR instructor and served as officer in charge of emergency medical services. Elliott and his wife, Suzanna, have two children, Veronica and Mitchell.

Mayor Gregory Costabile said he is proud that the fire department has dedicated leaders and a brotherhood of passionate and caring men who do their best to meet the demands of the community.

"Chief Forte's presence will be missed, yet we look forward to the leadership skills that Captain Elliott will bring to the department," Costabile said.

Forte retires as the longest-serving full-time chief in the city's history, with 33 years of service. He was hired on Aug. 13, 1978, promoted to lieutenant in 1983 and captain in 1985 before being named chief on May 3, 1987.