After 47 years in the fire service, Newtown Administrative Fire Chief Carl
Stelter has heard his last alarm.Stelter retires tomorrow, Jan. 31 after servingNewtown since 1959.
"I have dedicated my life to the good of Newtown and its residents." he wrote in the letter announcing his retirement.
Stelter, 70, retires due to health issues.
"Truly, I enjoyed fighting fire." he said. "I've done everything."
Before joining Newtown, Stelter worked with the Cincinnati Civil Defense Unit. Once joining Newtown's Firedepartment, he held a host of positions: firefighter, secretary/treasurer, training officer, medic, scuba diver and fire inspector.
"He's just been Mr. Newtown Fire. He was always there." Assistant Fire Chief Bill DeVore said.
Stelter was even the village's first EMT, fire inspector and arson investigator.
Additionally, he helped build two additions on the fire house, made equipment and constructed the first bucket brigade monument nearby the station.
"Carl has given his heart and soul to the village and the department." DeVore said.
For Stelter, what he'll miss most is the camaraderie amongst those at the station and aiding others.
"The good of it is helping out people." he said of his career.
Both of his brothers and a nephew served with the Cincinnati Fire Department and his son with a department in Alexandria, Va.
As part of the family's passion, the Stelters operate a fire museum, Brothers Three, in Mt. Orab.
Equipment and old-fashioned fire engines round out the museum's collection.
"Carl's been, really, over the years, trying to preserve the history of the fire service. It shows his dedication to the fire service." Mayor John Hammon said.
"Carl has been dedicated to the fire service, not only in Newtown, but fire service in general." he said
Dedication is a word DeVore uses to describe Stelter as well.
"I can't say enough good about him. Talk about dedication. That's a man who's dedicated his life to Newtown." he said.
Stelter has lived in Newtown for 46 years.