Jerry Stibbe, a 50-year firefighter with the Richland Center Fire Department; and Barry Roghair, who served over 48 years are both retiring. Stibbe’s term started Nov. 20, 1973, with his term ending Nov. 20 of this year. Roghair started his term with the RCFD July 1975, and will finish his service at the end of December. Stibbe has served the RCFD as a Lieutenant, and Captain. Roghair has served as Secretary, Lieutenant, and Captain. With their lockers next to one another, its safe to say that they have gotten to know one another well. “We’re like a family” says Stibbe. “A family with a bond like no other.” agrees Roghair. As neither of them would acknowledge the term ‘hero’, both agree that they would use that term to name others that they have greatly admired, such as: Ralph Klinzing, Francis Burke, Dave Foth, Bob Bindl, Brian Jones, and Scott Gald who have all served as Fire Chief during Stibbe and Roghair’s terms with the Richland Center Fire Department. With more than 5,000 fire calls each, both have proudly served the community that supports them.
On Nov. 20, the Richland Center Fire Department honored Stibbe and Roghair with plaques in honor of their many years of service. Assembly Representative Tony Kurtz honored both with a certificate, as well as a flag that flew over the State Capital in Madison. Cake and refreshments were served.
A lot has changed as far as protocol is concerned in the past fifty years, in both attire and regulations. Stibbe talks of rubber jackets and boots, as well as sitting on the tailgates of fire trucks back in the day. Both he and Roghair share how improvements have been made to make firefighting safer than it used to be. Regardless of the dangers, both agree that they have loved every minute of serving their communities. The most difficult of challenges comes with a loss of life or property. For that reason, Roghair is a member of the Southwest Debriefing Team, which assists firefighters, police officers, nurses, and others in talking out situations as a means to better help themselves while serving their community.
Volunteer firefighters aid their communities in fire prevention through education, as well as putting out several types of fires. Stibbe and Roghair have answered the call in the middle of the night, in all kinds of weather, even getting up from their supper table, to help someone in need. In addition to assisting with fires, firefighters volunteer countless hours searching for individuals, sometimes with good outcome. Both Stibbe and Roghair would like anyone thinking about becoming a firefighter to contact their local fire department, and look into signing up. “It’s an honor to serve” both Stibbe and Roghair agree. “Try it”, encourages Roghair. “You’ll be glad that you did,” Stibbe mirrors the encouragement.

Both Stibbe and Roghair plan to spend more time with family, who have been supportive over their several years of service to the community. Both are humbled by their retirement acknowledgements. They wish to thank their families, their RCFD firefighter family, the community, and Tony Kurtz for his recognition. It has been a privelage talking with both Stibbe and Roghair. We all wish you both a happy retirement.