Last week, the Lancaster Fire Department held their annual banquet.

In addition to reflecting on the year that was, and the efforts of all its members, the department recognized two of their longtime members - retiring firefighter Terry Behling, who is hanging it up after more than three decades with the department, as well as Rodney Koeller, who was given Firefighter of the Year.

Behling dedicated an incredible 33 years of his life to the service of others with membership with the department.

Terry began his journey with the Lancaster Fire Department on August 7, 1990.

For 33 years, Terry has stood at the front lines of what we do, never seeking recognition or applause. He didn’t serve for the spotlight; he served because he believed in being there when people needed help.

Whether it was responding to emergencies in the dead of the night or training to improve his skills, Terry approached every aspect of his service with a quiet determination that speaks volumes about his character.

“We’ll miss the Monday Night Fishing Report and the hunting stories,” the department shared on their Facebook page of the accomplishment.

For the last few years, Terry has taken over the annual fish fry. “We made a deal with him that he could only retire as long as he promised to come back and help each year.”

On 2023 Firefighter of the Year, Rodney Koeller, each year the department recognizes one of its members with the firefighter of the year award, to give attention to the extra time and effort that they put into the fire department. The award’s recipient i s chosen by the department’s officers and captains.

Rodney’s commitment and dedication to the fire department has been outstanding. “He’s an extraordinary and resourceful firefighter who remains calm, composed and focused in stressful situations,” the department stated. Rodney is a natural leader, an exceptional firefighter, and a good guy to have around when things get serious.