After thousands of rides in the big red fire truck, Berwyn Fire Lt. Jerry Stechmiller has hung up his boots and helmet.
Stechmiller, a Berwyn fire firefighter for more than 30 years and member of the Executive Board of the Berwyn Firefighters Local 506, worked his last shift Nov. 15, 12 days short of his 31st anniversary.
More than 20 off-duty Berwyn firefighters stood by their retiring brother at the Nov. 11 Berwyn City Council meeting as Nov. 15 was proclaimed Jerry Stechmiller day in Berwyn.
Stechmiller spent the last 12 years of his fire fighting career as a lieutenant, and retired as the lieutenant for Engine 903 at the city’s center fire house on 26th St.
“This job has a lot of built-in rewards, but I’ll miss the guys the most,” Stechmiller said.
While he said he has no immediate plans following retirement, Stechmiller said he will miss driving up to block parties, schools and anywhere he was needed in that big red fire truck.
“It’s the only job in the world you can honk your horn and wave, and no matter how old they are people wave and smile back,” Stechmiller said. “It’s been a privilege to serve the people of Berwyn.”
Notable
Stechmiller received recognition in two separate incidents for successfully performing CPR and bringing both patients back to life.
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Berwyn Fire Chief Denis O’Halloran: “Jerry will be missed, not only by his manpower but with his friendship and camaraderie as well.”
Firefighter promoted
Joseph Lotito Jr. was promoted to Berwyn fire lieutenant to replace Stechmiller at the Nov. 10 Berwyn City Council meeting.
More about Jerry
HOBBIES Hunting, fishing, being a Scoutmaster
MARRIED TO Suzanne for 23 years
CHILDREN Laura, 19; Daniel, 17
