Berea fire, police welcome new hires, promotions: Community Voices

Community NewsBerea Mayor Cyril Kleem swears in new Berea firefighter Joey Smith.Photo Courtesy of Joey SmithBy Linda G. Kramer, City of BereaBEREA, Ohio – The Fire Department has a new firefighter, two firefighters have been promoted and the Police Department welcomes two new officers.The firefighters and police officers were recently sworn in by Mayor Cyril Kleem at the Pavilion at Coe Lake.Joey Smith, 24, of Brunswick, is the newest Berea firefighter/paramedic.Smith is a 2021 graduate of Brunswick High School, where he played football and ran track. He also attended the Medina County Career Center, where he studied public safety. He graduated with his Fire 2 and EMT-B certifications.In 2022, he joined the Valley City Fire Department. And in 2024, he received his National Registry Paramedic certification after attending the University Hospitals Parma Paramedic Program.Smith is a cadet firefighter and will undergo an 18-month probationary and training period with the Fire Department.Berea firefighter Jim Ryba was promoted to lieutenant. He has been a Berea firefighter since 2011. He is involved with the Fire Investigation Unit and Fire Prevention. He also is active with the Youth Firesetter Program, an intervention program for kids ages 5-17.Berea Fire Lt. Mike Kubec has been promoted to captain. He also joined the department in 2011 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2021. He is with the Fire Prevention and Fire Investigation units.Shane McCarthy is sworn in as a Berea police officer by Mayor Cyril Kleem.Photo Courtesy of Berea Police DepartmentShane McCarthy and Benjamin Scott have brought their law enforcement experience to the Police Department.McCarthy is from Fairview Park. He began his career with the Lakewood Police Department, where he developed strong skills in communication and problem solving. Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem welcomes Benjamin Scott, one of the newest members of the Police Department.Photo Courtesy of Berea Police DepartmentScott was raised in Fairlawn and graduated from Copley High School and Kent State University. He began his career in private industry, working in the automotive e-commerce and electric vehicle sectors. He later joined a police department on the East Side.