New Barnesville Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief Take Over
Barnesville Fire & EMS began the year under new leadership as Robert “Bob” Froehlich Jr. and Chris Hendershot assumed the roles of fire chief and assistant fire chief Jan. 1.
Mayor Jake Hershberger appointed Froehlich as chief and Hendershot as assistant chief.
Froehlich graduated from Barnesville High School in 1987 and then attended Bowling Green State University, earning his degree in 1992. After graduation, he joined the National Guard in Toledo. During his college years, he worked for UPS until 1993. He later moved to Jackson to work at Airstream before moving back to Barnesville and opening the Shamrock Pit Stop in late 1994.
He joined the fire department that same year as a firefighter and later served as captain prior to being named chief. Froehlich and his wife have five children.
Hendershot graduated from Barnesville High School in 1999 and worked at Whiteside Chevrolet for 21 years. He married in 2007 and has one son. In 2020, he left Whiteside to start his own business, Hendershot Detailing.
Hendershot joined the fire department in 1998 and previously served as lieutenant before being appointed assistant chief.
Both men said stepping into their new roles was the next progression within the department and an opportunity to continue serving the community.
As chief, Froehlich oversees department operations and personnel. Following additional training, he will also serve as building inspector and code enforcement officer for the village. When Froehlich is unavailable, Hendershot serves as second in command.
“I’m wanting to provide the best volunteer fire department that I can provide to the community,” Froehlich said. “That’s my ultimate goal. All the superficial things don’t mean anything if I can’t provide the fire service that they need.”
Hendershot said he shares that goal.
Froehlich emphasized the Barnesville Fire Department operates as a 100% volunteer fire department, with only the chief and assistant chief receiving pay. Firefighters are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Firefighters receive a small stipend per call to help offset costs for clothing and equipment. EMS personnel are paid positions.
The department covers approximately 83 square miles and had responded to 33 calls in 2026 as of early February.
Both leaders stressed the ongoing need for volunteers. Those interested in joining the department can contact Barnesville Fire & EMS at 740-425-3054.
“It is a family-style atmosphere that we’re pushing, and it can be very rewarding,” Froehlich said. “The more people we can get involved with, the better it’s going to be for everyone.”
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