Firefighter calls it a career after 34 years

BERLIN TWP. — A longtime Berlin Twp. firefighter is stepping down, after giving 34 years of his life to the department and protecting the community.

Ron Schmitz recently turned in his fire gear and equipment, putting an end to middle of the night fire runs and missed holidays or parties.

“I’ve really enjoyed being on the department,’ he said. “We’ve got a great group of guys. But, it’s just time for me to step away. I’m not physically able to do all the things I normally did, and haven’t been able to for the past year or so.”

During his more than three decades of serving his community, Ron says there have been plenty of changes in the fire service.

“Everything is so expensive right now,” he explained. “The equipment, the trucks, our turnout gear. It’s just amazing how everything has changed. Training requirements are so demanding now.”

He recalled his original department issued gear was hip height rubber boots, a fire coat and bunker pants. Since then, due to requirements and safety, he says firefighters are covered head to toe with turnout gear specifically designed to improve safety and protection.

When Ron first started in 1991, he was one of a handful of active firefighters with the department. The proximity from his house to the fire station was a factor in his decision to join the department.

“I was close by, and knew I could be there pretty quick normally, if we had a call,” Ron said. “I usually was one of the first ones there and drove truck quite a bit.”

Schmitz said as a result of being the driver, he was also responsible for that apparatus’ operations when driving an engine or water tanker to a scene.

Looking back over his 30+ years of service, Ron shared, “yeah, I’ve missed my share of birthdays, parties, holidays, that sort of thing. But I’ve always wanted to help protect our community and was willing to answer the call, no matter when or what was going on, as long as I was home or in the area.”

Schmitz, who is also a licensed Emergency Medical Technician, prefers to recall some of the good calls as opposed to those where the outcome was less than desirable.

“I was part of a few good CPR saves. That’s always a great feeling when you can help bring someone back,” he said. “The bad calls, I’d rather not say much. They’re hard.”

Chief Dean Kirkum, who has been the department’s top administrator for three years, has high praise for his dedicated firefighter.

“Ron was a very important part of this department,” he said. “Not just from the firefighting aspect of it, but he was always here when we needed help in the station. or, if we had something going on, Ron was always one of the first ones here. He was great at teaching the newer guys the ropes of being on the department and what to do at different scenes.”

The Chief added, “We always could count on Ron’s help, no matter what. He has been so faithful to the department. We greatly appreciate him and what he has done for us. He can be proud of his work. He’s a great friend to everyone and will be missed.”

Ron’s badge number is 23 – meaning he has the distinction of being the 23rd member to serve on the department since it’s beginning in 1976. He has served his years strictly as a firefighter, by choice, and was not ever part of the command team. He says he has served under five different chiefs during his tenure.

“Everybody is just a big family here,” he said with a smile. “We take care of each other, no matter what we are doing.”

Chief Kirkum said Schmitz is, “one of those soft spoken guys who is very well respected in the department and when he spoke, the other firefighters listened.”

Berlin Fire Department currently has 15 members on the roster and, like many fire departments throughout the state, they are always looking for additional personnel.