CAPTION: After calling the members of the Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services (CDES) to stand behind him, retired CDES director Joe Rinehart (seated) told members of the crowd that the residents of Chillicothe and the area should feel protected, with the members of the CDES currently on staff. Rinehart remarks came during a public reception held in his honor Sunday at the Chillicothe Fire Station following his Dec. 1, 2008 retirement capping 37 years with the city.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

Representatives from numerous area fire departments and officials from the state fire marshal’s office joined city officials and community leaders in honoring Joe Rinehart Sunday during a public reception Sunday at the fire station in Chillicothe. Rinehart, who has retired as the director of the Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services after nearly four decades of city employment, received numerous awards during the 45-minute ceremony.

Emcee Chuck Haney, Chillicothe mayor, began the program by noting that the reception marked the first time the community could express their appreciation to Rinehart publicly. The mayor explained that previous events were held in conjunction with the city Christmas party, and a Christmas celebration hosted by the local firefighter’s union. Haney introduced a number of guests in attendance, including a few city councilmen and city officials, as well as firefighters from Carrollton, Trenton and Meadville. Then Shawna Searcy, field representative for 6th District U.S. Congressman Sam Graves, addressed the crowd briefly and presented Rinehart with a Congressional Resolution for his “outstanding service and leadership” to the city of Chillicothe and the community over the past 37 years.

After members of Rinehart’s family were introduced, Greg Carrell, assistant state fire marshal, spoke to the crowd and said that Rinehart was one of the first people he met from Chillicothe. “He (Rinehart) struck me immediately as a man of common sense,” Carrell said. He added that Rinehart is a man of few words, but all words spoken are usually correct. Carrell said that he has worked many fires with Rinehart over the years and when he would stop by the fire station and talk with the fire chief, Carrell said he would get his “weekly common sense lesson.” The assistant state fire marshal said that Rinehart would often pose a question and ask Carrell what he thought of it. Carrell said he would respond and then usually listen to Rinehart’s thoughts on the matter. Carrell noted that state fire marshal Randy Cole, was unable to attend the event due to obligations dealing with the upcoming gubernatorial inauguration. So, on behalf of the state fire marshal’s office, Carrell presented Rinehart with a certificate of achievement in appreciation for his years of service as fire chief, disaster director and director of the Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services. “We applaud your professionalism, your knowledge, your dedication and commitment, all of which have made you a valuable asset to the city, the community and the state,” Carrell said.

Assistant fire chief Joe Darr then presented Rinehart with a certificate of recognition for decades of special outstanding leadership and services on behalf of Frank Foster, formerly of EMS legal services.
Bill Gutshall, president of the local firefighter’s union, then spoke briefly on behalf of the association, saying that he has literally known Rinehart all of his life. “I remember when he would come to my school and talk about being a firefighter when I was dreaming of becoming one,” Gutshall said. He then thanked Rinehart for “preparing the way for others to live the dream of being a firefighter.”

Darrel Rinehart, councilman-at-large, told those gathered that he is a cousin of Joe’s, and as such, has known the retired fire chief all of his life as well. On behalf of the city, Darrel presented Joe with a resolution passed by the council officially retiring his badge number, 300 in recognition to the fire chief’s dedication and service to the community. As a retired badge number, Darrel said, the badge number will never again be used. The resolution was also presented to the fire department.

Dean Brookshier, city administrator, then presented Rinehart with a bronze sculpture of a fire helmet in appreciation of his 37 years of service. After the presentation were finished, Rinehart called the members of the CDES to stand behind him. He said, “This is as fine a group of people that you’ll find anywhere,” Rinehart said, adding that all were dedicated to the city. “I just love them so much, I can’t hardly stand it,” Rinehart said. He noted that the total years of experience of those handling administrative duties now at the fire stations total more than 100 years. The others staffing the CDES, Rinehart said, have been there anywhere from one to 25 years. “I feel like I raised some of them,” Rinehart said. In closing, Rinehart told those gathered that the city and community should feel well protected and well served by the current staff at the CDES. “I wish them well and I wish them safety and God’s blessings,” Rinehart said.