John Ed Hish ends 50-year firefighting career

When John Ed Hish first became a volunteer firefighter in Ridgway in 1965 the Beatles were a new development in music.

Hish rose to the chief's position in 1972 and has served in that capacity ever since. The firefighters of the region, far and wide, gathered at the Coal Belt Fire Association meeting Thursday at the Ridgway Knights of Columbus Hall to honor and celebrate Hish's service to his community and surrounding areas during that 50 year period.

Ridgway Mayor Becky Mitchell said, "He has served the Village of Ridgway very well. He improved all the buildings associated with the fire department and continually upgraded the equipment. He has secured grants to fund many of these improvements. He is why we currently enjoy an insurance rating of 4 and are so close to obtaining a 3 rating."

The most important thing to Hish Thursday night was that the newspaper spell Ridgway without the "e".

He said, "So many media get it wrong."

Hish said he anticipates a lower insurance rating soon.

"We are close to a 3 rating. Most of the remaining criteria are administrative things, not equipment.

We will have it soon," Hish said.

His future plans involve staying on as a consultant to the new chief, Chris Wargel.

"Chis is also the manager of Wabash Valley Farm Service and he has a full plate. I am planning to stay around," Hish said.