Rindler replaces Chief Gary Connell, 59, who retired last December, and Assistant Chief Rick Maggert who has been acting as interim chief for the past nine months, according to Rhonda Meckstroth, administrative assistant in the fire department.
Rindler, a 1983 graduate of Miami East High School, and a graduate of Edison Community College, has an associate of science degree in criminal justice. He served in the U.S. Army after graduating from high school from 1983 to 1986, serving as an MP, and a paratrooper in Granada, while stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C.
He was hired as a firefighter in Piqua in June, 1989, promoted to captain in 1998, and to assistant chief in 2000.
As chief, Rindler will be responsible for all employees and activities of the fire department, which includes 29 firefighters and one civilian employee.
“I am pleased that we had two such highly qualified candidates as Assistant Chief Rindler and Captain Brent Pohlschneider, and thank them both for their dedicated service to the community,” Piqua City Manager Frederick Enderle said in announcing the promotion.
Rindler said he became interested in fire fighting while at Edison Community College. “It’s an exciting job,” he said. “It’s never the same. You definitely can make a difference in people’s lives, and it’s fun, though I’ve seen some terribly bad things along the way.”
Rindler and his wife Natalie have a son and daughter, Corey, 16, and Kelly, 13.
In his free time he likes to go fishing, watch his children play sports, and do “a little bit of golfing,” he said.
“I feel fortunate and humbled by the whole thing (promotion),” Rindler said. “The people I work with are so fun to work with and love to serve the community. I’m fortunate to be able to serve these people and excited to get busy.”
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