3 reach milestone
Deputy Chief Gregory Robbins, 30 years
Lt. Ray Smith, 31 years
Firefighter Robert Cepluch, 33 years
HAMILTON — The Hamilton Fire Department is losing three men— including a deputy chief — to retirement this week.
Deputy Chief Gregory Robbins, Lt. Ray Smith and Firefighter Robert Cepluch celebrated their last days of work this week with staggered retirement parties.
Robbins said he’s looking forward to spending more time outdoors and with his three children, but said he’s got his household work cut out for him.
“I’m going to miss the relationships with my co-workers,” he said. “The fire service has changed a lot in my career. It’s a much more sophisticated job now than it was 30 years ago.”
Robbins served as deputy chief for 22 years after being promoted to lieutenant and captain. The department has five other deputy chiefs.
“Robbins has served his community well in many facets of fire department operations and administration, and his experience and expertise along with his personable and friendly demeanor will be missed,” Chief Joseph Schutte said.
Smith was involved in Ohio Task Force One — a Federal Emergency Management Agency team, Schutte said. From that experience, Smith responded to hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 and most recently to Haiti, which was devastated a year ago by an earthquake.
“Lt. Smith was instrumental in introducing and implementing various technical rescue disciplines in the department, including river rescue, confined space and high angle rope rescue,” Schutte said.
Schutte said Cepluch spent most of his years as apparatus operator and driver of Engine 24 at the Main Street and Millville Avenue station.
“We wish them all good health and many years of an enjoyable and well-deserved retirement,” Schutte said.
Schutte said he hopes to fill the vacancies as soon as possible, as there are more retirements set for February and March.
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