Puckett, 59, who has served as the city’s fire chief since December 2002, said that is one of many fond memories he will take with him when he officially retires from the fire department today.
The timing is right to pass the torch to another chief, Puckett said.
“I get the feeling that I’ve kind of led the department to a new plateau where I went as far as I can,” he said.
City Manager John Jones said Puckett has served the city well for the past three decades.
“His services over the years are appreciated, and he will be missed by many. I wish the chief many blessings in his future endeavors,” said Jones, adding that Puckett will be the last volunteer chief to ever serve the Trenton department.
City Council this year moved forward with a plan to create a part-time department, and the city is currently advertising to fill a part-time fire chief position.
Puckett joined the fire department in 1976 and worked his way up through the ranks serving as firefighter, lieutenant, captain, fire marshal, training officer and chief.
He said during his tenure, he has enjoyed working with people in the community.
“There’s highs and lows. My low was when a baby died right after I became fire chief on Easter Sunday. You live it from time to time. It’s just a sad fact that things like that happen,” he said.
He said one of his biggest accomplishments — along with fellow firefighters — was bringing the emergency medical service operations into the fire department.
“We tried for years to get the Trenton Rescue Squad to come under the city’s wing, and we could never make that happen. The challenge was put to me that we could start our EMS operation up in the fire department if it didn’t cost the city any money, and we successfully did that,” Puckett said.
He said he has no immediate plans other than to continue his full-time job as an heavy equipment operator for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 in Dayton. He also recently began working part-time for The Home Depot on Princeton Road in Fairfield Twp.
He said he also plans to stay active with the Butler County Fire Investigation Team and to go fishing.
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er at (513) 483-5219 or dewilson@coxohio.com.
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