Resigned My Position Today

Destroked 450 · Sep 9, 2018

I've been the Fire Chief at our small local Fire Dept for 15 years, today was our annual elections which until today they had reelected me to the position each time.
I had told them back earlier to consider selecting someone else, I told them I was tired and felt I was holding the department back.
As I held my last meeting today before the elections I told them not to put my name on the list, it was time for someone new and younger to take over my position.
I am proud of our little dept and will continue to support it "as a fire fighter".
Can't do much of the interior stuff any more but I'm still a pretty good tanker operator and pump engineer.

Destroked 450 · Sep 9, 2018

To keep this tractor related I'll now have more time to work on a few unfinished tractor projects.

Janicholson · Sep 9, 2018

Good call. Recognition will remain from your dedication. My dad was in the township FD for 50
years or so. Well done and thanks. Jim

Billy Shafer · Sep 9, 2018

Takes a good man. To admit when it is time to step aside. I am sure your knowledge will still be helpful to the younger crew.

Steve A W · Sep 9, 2018

Now it's time to kick back and relax.
But I must warn you, They will still need you
for a while during the transition to the new Chief.
I gotta ask how much grey hair do you have.
I didn't have any before my two year stint as Chief.
Once it started it wouldn't quit.

Steve A W

Josh-nhihguy · Sep 9, 2018

My wife's father was the town fire chief
and her other uncles and grandfather have
all served an/or are serving. Growing up
way out in the country I never really
understood how important the FD was until I
met my wife. The volunteers and chief are
very dedicated and are all top notch. I'm
proud to call these people my family.

A side note: my late great-grandfathers and
grandmother's best friend who passed away a
couple years ago was by far the last
surviving founding member of the county's
rural volunteer fire department. He was in
for around 68-69 years. He was about 94-95
when he passed. Would have loved to have
talked to him about that.

old smokey · Sep 9, 2018

congrats.....been there, done that one year ago and haven't regretted it yet

47fivewindow · Sep 9, 2018

My Dad was Volunteer Chief for 12 years, so I know how hard it is. Thanks for making the world a
little better place to live.

JMOR · Sep 9, 2018

You were a good old bird to do the " the interior stuff" as my Dad did, because now days it appears that all most do is spray water on the exterior, which is basically good for nothing but a show!

Ande · Sep 10, 2018

You have done well, and I admire anyone that has done this type of work. My hat is off to you.

Bob in SD · Sep 10, 2018

Thanks for your service. It speaks highly of you that you're not letting ego keep you in that role when you see that it's time for new blood. Good job,

flembo · Sep 10, 2018

You can be proud I was an active volunteer firefighter for 25 yrs the last 12 as Chief I resigned that position and went to the Police academy and
became a small town part time Police Officer. As it turned out that wasn't for me and I resigned that position after 8 yrs. now I stand back and let the
young fellas have at it.

dpendzic · Sep 10, 2018

I have to disagree with that as all my crews have a least 2 interior certified firefighters and they pac up and go in and fight the fire from inside

Texasmark1 · Sep 10, 2018

I moved out here, not attending an annual meeting of the Coop water supply, and one night I got a knock on the door and was congratulated on my new
membership to the board........da what??

Seems that when I was investigating the possibility of moving out, I had a lengthy conversation with an "insider".....born and raised here, the same guy
that knocked on my door. Seems I looked like fresh meat and was time to have a feast!!!!!! So he volunteered me with out my knowing and I was elected.

Went ahead with it even though I thought it was illegal and stayed with it 10 years, 5 of which were president. We got some good things done that were
sorely needed. I too thought it was time for someone else from the community to do a little CS and get out there and take over.

One thing one doesn't realize. Even at the low level of the community water supply, the pressure from lobbyists is there. I cannot comprehend what it's
like to represent the US in office.

Rollie NE PA · Sep 10, 2018

It is a challenge being a Chief of a small department. The fire service requirements seem to change quite often. I was Chief for 12 years and have been Asst. Chief for the last 29 years. I am also the main tanker driver and the apparatus operator especially during the day. At age 68 it is time to slow down just a little bit.

8NHENRY · Sep 11, 2018

Thank you for your service! People just do not realize what it takes to be in the fire/ems service, you sacrifice a lot of time especially on a volunteer service.

Resigned My Position Today

Destroked 450

Well-known Member

Destroked 450

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Janicholson

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Billy Shafer

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Steve A W

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Josh-nhihguy

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old smokey

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47fivewindow

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JMOR

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Ande

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Bob in SD

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flembo

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dpendzic

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Texasmark1

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Rollie NE PA

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8NHENRY

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