5.a Fire retirements� J
SCANDIA
Staff RepoVt
Date of Meeting: February 16, 2016
To: City Council
From: Neil Soltis, City Administrator
Re: Kertzscher & Peterson retirements from the Fire Department
Background:
Firefighters Erich Kertzscher and Debbie Peterson have submitted letters of retirement effective
January 31, 2016. A copy of the letters are included in your packet.
Proposal Details:
Staff is preparing the plaque presentation and reception for the January meeting
Recommendation:
Accept the retirements of Firefighters Erich Kertzscher and Debbie Peterson
Dear Chief Mike and All My Brothers and Sisters,
After a tough few weeks trying to weigh the pros and cons of my desires and other ambitions and with a
bit of a heavy heart, I've made the decision to retire from Scandia Fire and Rescue January 31, 2016. Is
this a good move? Yes, No, Maybe. I know my services can still be utilized and I've said to myself that I
wouldn't leave if I didn't feel things weren't right as far as personnel issues or if the quality of services
were hampered. I feel if I stayed on for one, two or even five years, the fire service is going to struggle
with recruitment and retention, but the quality of care and services will always be superior due to the
level of training Scandia Fire requests of it staff.
A main reason for leaving would be the pursuit of other avenues. I feel I don't have the time to explore
more when I incorporate my fire duties in my life. Wendy and I have been volunteering for another
organization "We Can Ride" and I think I'd like to fish more and maybe take some classes on
woodturning or explore photography more.
Could I back off? Yes, but that's not how I commit to this organization. I will say that I'm tired
sometimes and the fire inside me has diminished to respond to some calls. Wendy supports me and
always has. She says I should stay on, but I know she's tired too and with her being retired from her
career; I want to be available in the evening when my work day is over.
I've had a fantastic run and 25 years seems like a good number now. I have cherished every moment of
my life with Scandia Fire and Rescue and it has been my life. I hope I have made a difference in
someone's life be it within our service or to the people we have helped. Together, we have seen the
true definition of tragedy and we have seen the very essence of goodness. Being a part of Scandia Fire
and Rescue and working with all other agencies I've had the honor to be associated with will fill my
heart with deep pride the rest of my life.
Stay Safe! Everyone goes Home!
With Sincere Gratitude,
Erich Kertzscher
December 8, 2015
Chief Mike Hinz
Scandia Fire & Rescue
15040 Scandia Trail N
Scandia, MN 55073
Dear Mike,
Please accept this letter as notice of resignation from my position as a Firefighter and
EMT. My last day of employment will be January 31, 2016.
It has been a pleasure working with you and the `gang' over these many years and
thank you all for the valuable help, advice, guidance, patience, and encouragement that
you have given me during my tenure.
Sincerely,
Debbie Peterson
FFI I & EMT