Salem Fire Department welcomes new member

SALEM -- The fire department welcomed its newest member on Monday.

Garrett Brantingham was sworn in as a provisional firefighter in city council chambers. He is a Winona resident and 2021 United Local School District alum who completed his firefighter certification at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center in 2024.

Brantingham will be leaving his former position as an agricultural mechanic to join the department and said that becoming a firefighter has always been his goal.

"I grew up around it, I've been around it my whole life," Brantingham said.

Brantingham brings years of experience as a first responder with him, having served as a volunteer firefighter for the past seven years at the Winona Volunteer Fire Department where his father George Brantingham serves as fire chief. He has also served as an EMT for the past 18 months in Winona and will continue to serve as a volunteer.

He said that pursuing a career with the Salem Fire Department was a natural fit due to his familiarity with and fondness for the Salem community, noting that it "feels like home" to him.

"I thank the city of Salem for the opportunity and for considering me," Brantingham said.