Willowick Fire Chief William Malovrh returns from voluntary leave of absence

Aug. 22—Willowick Fire Chief William Malovrh recently reactivated his required certifications and has returned from a leave of absence.

According to Mayor Michael Vanni, the city received an anonymous email on July 23 stating that Malovrh had been functioning as fire chief, paramedic, inspector and safety officer with expired credentials. Upon further investigation, the chief was on a voluntary leave of absence as of July 25.

Malovrh has been with the Willowick Fire Department for 36 years and was previously a lieutenant before being appointed to chief in October 2022. In Malovrh's absence, Capt. Ron Zak had been acting fire chief.

"Willowick Fire Department is a unique department in that it is staffed solely by part-time firefighters," Vanni said. "A firefighters' credentials are verified when they are hired and due to the nature of the part-time department, we have relied on the firefighters to be responsible for their own certifications as they all have full-time positions with other departments."

The News-Herald reached out to Malovrh; he did not immediately respond for comment.

In order to monitor all certifications for the members of the fire department on a monthly basis, the city has instituted a mandatory policy within the agency, the mayor said.

Over the last few years due to retirement or resignation of prior chiefs, Zak has previously served as acting fire chief. He has been with the fire department for 33 years.

"Zak is a distinguished member of the Mentor Fire Department and has extensive administrative experience," Vanni said. "The city is grateful for his leadership and professionalism in serving on Willowick Fire."

Prior to the fire department moving to its current location at the Municipal Safety Center at 30435 Lakeshore Blvd. in 1976, a building was constructed in 1948 at 31230 Vine St., which housed City Hall, the police and fire departments.