William "Bill" Reed was born on September 29, 1955, in Chardon, Ohio. A proud graduate of Cardinal High School, Bill answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. From 1973 to 1977, he honorably served on active duty and attended the Pharmacy Technical School in San Diego.

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Bill’s true life’s work was anchored in his home community, where he dedicated 39 years of service to the Middlefield Fire Department, including a distinguished 21-year tenure as Fire Chief. His leadership and passion for public safety reached across the region; he also served as the director of the Geauga County Fire Investigation Unit and as the secretary of the Geauga County Fire Chiefs Association. Through decades of unwavering commitment, Bill left an indelible mark on the safety and well-being of Geauga County.

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Yet, to generations of Middlefield residents, Bill was far more than a title or a uniform—he was truly "everybody’s fire chief." He was a deeply trusted, familiar face who belonged to the people of his hometown just as much as to the department he led. Alongside his beloved wife, Lynn, Bill fostered a culture where the fire department wasn't just an agency of service, but a tight-knit family of people who looked out for one another.

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His civic pride extended well beyond the firehouse. Bill was deeply woven into the fabric of daily life in Middlefield, serving for multiple years as the parade chairman for the Middlefield Swiss Cheese Festival and coaching youth baseball. For the young athletes he mentored on the baseball fields, he was a constant source of encouragement, guidance, and hometown pride. In every aspect of his life, Bill had a rare gift for bringing people together, proving time and again that he was not just a leader, but everybody’s coach. His legacy of service, leadership, and love for his community will be cherished for generations to come.