Members of the Board
Formed in 2020 with five principal board members consisting of current and past members of the CFFD, the Cuyahoga Falls Firefighter Memorial Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of Ohio and is registered as a 501 (c)(3) with the IRS. The board has grown to include seven members. The predominant goal of the organization was and currently is, the construction of a prominent and permanent memorial with our historic fire bell as its center piece.
President & Vice President
Matt Kee
President - Deputy Chief, CFFD
- (330) 714-8556
I have been a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department since 1997 and am currently serving as Deputy Chief. I am a lifelong resident of Cuyahoga Falls and currently reside here with my wife and two sons. The creation of a suitable memorial for firefighters who have served our community and our department has been a dream that many of us have shared for years. I am truly honored to be a part of this project and cannot wait to hear our City Fire Bell ring again soon.
Charlie Kilbel
Vice President - Lieutenant, CFFD
- (330) 592-2110
I’ve been with the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department since 2008. I was born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls and still reside within the city to this day with my wife and daughter. Since the earliest days of my career with the CFFD, I’ve been passionate about our department’s history and have sought to procure and preserve as much of our history as possible, especially the sacrifice of our brothers who died in the line of duty. The construction of a fitting and long-lasting memorial for those who came before us and those who gave their lives has always been a dream of mine – now that dream, through collaboration and a mutual passion is becoming a reality.
Secretary & Treasurer
Paul Celinski
Secretary - Firefighter, CFFD
- (330) 998-5856
I have been with the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department since 2016. I am from Macedonia Ohio, where I live with my fiancé and our two dogs. I am second generation firefighter that followed in my father’s footsteps. From a young age my father taught me how rich in tradition the fire service is and how it is a brotherhood/sisterhood that revolves around camaraderie and mentorship. It helped me to realize how important it is to know where we came from and why we do what we do today. It is for these reasons why I have joined this foundation’s board; to help honor and remember our brothers and sisters, past present and future. Especially the ones that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Carl Hayward
Treasurer - Lieutenant, CFFD
- (330) 212-9136
I’ve been with CFFD since 2007. I served the executive board for IAFF Local 494 as Treasurer for five years and currently sit as a Trustee for the Local. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as treasurer for the Cuyahoga Falls Firefighter Memorial Foundation.
Trustees
Mike Dunton
Trustee
CFFD Retired (30 Years of Service)
- madunton@gmail.com
- (330) 606-6727
Dave Riede
Trustee
CFFD Retired (36 Years of Service)
- 224retiredff@att.net
- (330) 388-8640
Mark Yanko
Trustee
CFFD Retired (31 Years of Service)
- markyanko@yahoo.com
- (330) 701-1336
Connect With Us
Stay Updated:
Get updates and notifications of our progress in the community.