GAMBIER — The College Township Fire Department has a new assistant chief and two new captains. Chief Bill Smith said his department is fortunate to have such an experienced core of officers to lead the department. The three officers were sworn in Wednesday evening at the College Township fire board meeting.

Assistant Chief Andrew Weber has been a member of the College Township Fire Department for 10 years. The 38-year-old Mount Vernon resident works as a career firefighter and paramedic outside Knox County. He has been a captain with the College Township department for three years.

Weber said he looks forward to serving the department as assistant chief.

“I think we want to focus our energy on maintaining an all-volunteer fire department and continuing in the direction the department is going,” Weber said.

Capt. Rick Dzik, 27, is an eight-year veteran of the department, for which he has served as a lieutenant the last three. He works full time as a firefighter and paramedic outside the county.

Capt. Lee Henthorn has been with the department for 12 years. He and his wife, Cathy, live in Mount Vernon, where he works as a city employee.

Smith said his selection of Weber as assistant chief was based on the years he has watched him develop as a leader.

“He was chosen because of his dedication and experience,” Smith said. “He has a real drive for the fire service and he has a lot of fire ground experience and knowledge.”

Smith said Weber is also extremely safety-oriented.

Smith praised the dedication and experience of all three firefighters.

“They’ve all three stepped up and have really helped take College Township forward,” he said.