A retired fire chief will take over coordination of a regional traffic safety group in Allen County, Ohio.
Joe Kitchen has been named coordinator of the Lima-Allen County Safe Community Coalition, with his start date set for Oct. 1, 2026, according to a media release from the coalition.
Kitchen's fire service career spanned 36 years with the Bath Township Fire Department, the last 24 of them as chief. He was already a longtime coalition member before accepting the coordinator position.
The coalition describes its mission as lowering preventable traffic injuries and deaths in Lima and Allen County. Its methods include education, public awareness efforts, data-driven programs and partnerships, and it works with law enforcement, public health agencies, schools and other local stakeholders. Among the topics it promotes are seat belt use, prevention of impaired and distracted driving, and motorcycle safety.
A State of Ohio traffic safety grant funds the coalition, with local administration handled by the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission.