CONNEAUT – The City of Conneaut has a new fire chief.
William “Will” Anderson was appointed as the eighth fire chief of the Conneaut Fire Department’s 113-year history on Monday, Aug. 3. He will take command of the department on Monday, Sept. 14, according to a press release from City Manager Nick Sanford.
Anderson is currently serving as assistant chief of the Millcreek Township Fire Department in Pennsylvania. A native of Lake County, he later settled in Ashtabula County following a 24-year career with the Euclid Fire Department, from which he retired as assistant chief in 2024.
Anderson will be sworn in at a later date.
The appointment concludes a months-long search conducted by a four-member selection committee appointed by City Manager Nicholas Sanford. Thirteen candidates applied for the position, and six finalists were considered to succeed retiring Fire Chief Steven Lee.
“Anderson brings extensive experience in fire service leadership, strategic planning, professional instruction and grant development,” the press release read. “He earned a Doctor of Strategic Leadership degree from Liberty University in 2024 and a Master of Public Administration degree in 2018. He is also a credentialed Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.”
Anderson also serves as an adjunct lead instructor at Bowling Green State University’s State Fire School, where he teaches Fire Officer IV coursework developed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association standards. He has also assisted northeastern Ohio fire departments in securing more than $21 million in grant funding for equipment, operations and long-term departmental needs.
“Chief Anderson brings an exceptional combination of operational experience, advanced education and strategic leadership to the City of Conneaut,” Sanford said. “His record demonstrates a commitment not only to emergency response, but also to organizational development, professional standards and the long-term strength of the fire service. I am confident that he will lead the Conneaut Fire Department with integrity, discipline and vision.”
The interim leadership of Asst. Chief Steven Sanford, who has served as interim chief since Lee’s retirement, ends with the appointment of Anderson.
Because Asst. Chief Sanford is the city manager’s father, administrative safeguards were established at the city manager’s direction during the interim period to avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest.
Law Director John Lewis and Finance Director John Williams provided independent administrative oversight, and the city manager did not participate in the supervision or evaluation of his father’s interim service.
“I am grateful to the assistant chief for his professionalism, steady leadership and lifelong commitment to the Conneaut Fire Department,” Sanford said. “His mentorship and personal style helped guide the department through an important period of transition, and I look forward to the beginning of this new chapter for the department and the community.”
