Chief James Cannell
Admin
Chief James R. Cannell Jr. retired after nearly 33 years with the Columbus Division of Fire, where he served in a variety of leadership roles including Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and Battalion Chief. He currently serves as Fire Chief of Miami Township Fire Rescue and as a paid-on-call Captain and Training Officer for the Porter-Kingston Fire District. Throughout his career, Chief Cannell has contributed to numerous organizational and operational advancements, including fire and EMS deployment models, fireground communications, and firefighter cancer prevention initiatives. He is a past member of Ohio Task Force One and served as a Rescue Squad member at the World Trade Center following the events of September 11, 2001.
In addition, he is the owner of Command 352, LLC, which specializes in incident command training and promotional testing services. Chief Cannell holds certifications as an Ohio EMT/Paramedic, Firefighter II, Public Safety Instructor, Fire Inspector, and Rescue Technician. He has been married to his wife, Lesley, for 35 years, and together they have three grown children and seven grandchildren.
(937) 767-7842 Ext. 1
Captain Nate Ayers
A Shift Supervisor
Nate oversees a wide range of departmental operations and has been instrumental in establishing the Youth Fire Setter Program while leading the reorganization of the Fire Prevention and Education Program. He began his fire service career in November 2008 as a volunteer before transitioning to part‑time after earning his EMT‑Basic and Firefighter II certifications. In 2016, he obtained his Paramedic certification and was promoted to Lieutenant shortly thereafter. During that time, he also earned his Fire Safety Inspector certification.
Nate was promoted to Captain in 2018 and has since completed the remainder of his professional certifications, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration in 2023. He credits his wife and two children for their unwavering support and motivation throughout his career.
(937) 767-7842 Ext. 2
Lieutenant Charles Kline
B Shift Supervisor
Lieutenant Kline has more than 28 years of experience in the fire service and is a proud third-generation firefighter. Lt. Kline brings a deep-rooted commitment to public safety, operational excellence, and leadership developed through decades of frontline and supervisory service. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Management and maintains multiple professional certifications, reflecting a strong dedication to continuous learning, best practices, and the advancement of the fire service.
(937) 767-7842 Ext. 3
Lieutenant Justin Turner
C Shift Supervisor
Justin has been a member of MTFR since 2019 and became full-time in 2025. Justin is the EMS coordinator for MTFR and holds Firefighter II, Fire Safety Inspector and Paramedic certifications as well as Rope Rescue Tech. Justin has a BFA in Visual Arts and an MA in Language and Philosophy. In his spare time, he enjoys film, travel, and spending time with his wife Jackie, along with family and friends.
(937) 767-7842 Ext. 3
Community Paramedic Steffinie Brewer
Admin
Steffinie has been a member of MTFR since October 2025. She has diverse experience in EMS, including pediatric experience from Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center.
Steffinie manages our Community Paramedicine Program and EMS QA/QI. She holds specialty certifications as a Cricital Care Paramedic (CCP-C) and a Community Paramedic (CP-C). While she loves her job, outside of work, Steffinie enjoys being with her loved ones and reading.
(937) 767-7842 Ext. 4
Full-time
Firefighter/EMT Cassady Brewer
A Shift
Cassady has been with MTFR since January 2019. Cassady is Firefighter II and EMT-B. He is currently working on obtaining his Paramedic certification. Cassady is also a Fire officer I & II, Fire Safety Inspector, Rope Rescue Tech, Grain Bin Rescue Tech, Trench Rescue Tech, Confined Space Rescue Tech, Ice Water Rescue Tech and Hazmat Operations Tech. Cassady also serves as a Rescue Specialist with the Ohio Homeland Security Region 3 Rescue Strike Team. In addition to this, he has secured multiple grants for Miami Township Fire Rescue.
Full-time
Firefighter/EMT Brian Burnett
B Shift
Brian has been a member of MTFR since March 2021 and became full-time in 2025. Brian has his Firefighter I & II and EMT-B, and he is currently in Paramedic school. Brian also has a B.A in History and an M.A. in Military History. Outside of MTFR, Brian works part-time for Sharonville Fire Department, part time at WPAFB Museum, and he is an adjunct US History professor at UC. In his spare time, he enjoys skateboarding and running.
Full-time
Firefighter/EMT Casey Flora
C Shift
Casey has been a member of MTFR since 2024. He holds his Firefighter I & II and EMT-B. He is currently in class to become an AEMT.
Part-time – 6th day
Firefighter/EMT Mark Murphy
A Shift
Mark has been a member of MTFR since November 2008. He holds his Firefighter I & II and EMT-B.
Part-time – 6th day
Firefighter/EMT Daniel Watt
A Shift
Dan has been a member of MTFR since August 2025. He is a Firefighter I & II and EMT-B. Dan plans on enrolling into Medic school later in 2026. He also works at Harlem Township Division of Fire and Porter Kingston Fire District. Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and his yellow Lab.
Part-time – 6th day
Firefighter Luke Hrynkow
B Shift
Luke is a Firefighter II and is currently working on obtaining his EMT-B certification. Luke describes himself as deeply passionate and dedicated to the fire service. He works part-time at two other fire departments. Outside of work, he prioritizes physical fitness and cheering on the Buckeyes.
Part-time – 6th day
Firefighter/EMT Jax Lawrence
B Shift
Jax joined MTFR in December 2025. He also serves as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with Porter Kingston Fire District. Jax holds his Firefighter I & II, and EMT-B certifications. Outside of work, Jax enjoys spending time with his friends and family, working on his truck, and being active.
Part-time – 6th day
Firefighter/EMT Sam Delfino
C Shift
Sam has been a member of MTFR since August 2025. Sam holds his Firefighter I & II, and EMT-B. Sam is currently in Grant Medical Center’s Paramedic Program.
Firefighter/EMT Jason Foss – 6th day
C Shift
Jason has been a member of MTFR since October 2025. Jason is an EMT-B and FFI. He is proud to be a first-generation firefighter. Jason also works at Superior Ambulance. He is pursuing a career in the army as a combat medic.
Part-time – PRN
Firefighter/EMT Nick Miller-Jacobson
Nick began his service as a volunteer in March 2013 after participating as a fire explorer. He later joined the Region 3 Urban Search & Rescue Team and was promoted to Sergeant in 2019. He held this full-time position honorably until early 2025 before transitioning back to part-time serve. Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and works full-time as a commercial real estate broker. He lives in Caesarscreek Township with his wife.
Part-time – PRN
Firefighter/EMT Jeremy Rea
Jeremy is a Firefighter II & EMT-B. He has been a member of MTFR since 2007.
Part-time – PRN
Firefighter/EMT Dave Meister
Dave is a Firefighter II & EMT-B. He has been a member of MTFR since 2009. Dave also serves as an officer for YSPD.
Part-time – PRN
Firefighter/EMT Evan Frantz
Evan joined MTFR in 2015 as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician while attending Wright State University studying Biomedical Engineering. Evan became a part-time member in 2017. Since joining, Evan has become certified as a Level I firefighter, confined space rescue technician, and rope rescue technician.
Part-time – PRN
Firefighter/EMT Casey Brewer
Casey is a Firefighter II & EMT-B. He is currently in school to become and Advanced EMT. Casey has been a member of MTFR since 2018. He also works as a 911 telecommunicator and is a firefighter at numerous other departments in the area.
Part-time – PRN
Firefighter/EMT Payton Cooper
Payton is a Firefighter II & EMT-B. He is currently working on obtaining his Paramedic certification. Payton joined MTFR as a part-time member in 202 after being involved in MTFRs explorer program. Payton works at 2 other fire departments.
Volunteer
EMT Jackie Kendall-Turner
Jackie became a member of MTFR in 2021. She comes with 29 years of experience. Jackie also works part-time for Clinton-Warren Joint Fire & Rescue and has been a Lieutenant there for 6 years w/PIO experience. She carries a Medical Assistant background.
Jackie is a certified rope rescue technician. She enjoys doing public speaking to students of all ages about EMS. In her free time, she likes to spend it with her husband, Justin, grown children, family & friends.
Part-time – PRN
Firefighter/EMT Joe Kelly
Joe is a Firefighter II & EMT-B. He has been a member of MTFR since April 2025.