Spahn's Dedicated Career To Service Comes to an End

Years ago, after dropping a patient off at the hospital, Russ Spahn got that urge to yodel. 

Instead of yodeling quietly to himself and his partner as they rode in their ambulance, the young paramedic decided to serenade the neighborhood over the emergency vehicle's loud speaker.  

"Anyone that was out gardening got a taste of his yodeling," said Assistant Fire Chief Steve Bauer to laughs during a ceremony for Chief Spahn, who retired Wednesday from the Greenfield Fire Department after 39 years of service to the city. 

"The City of Greenfield Police and Fire Commission would like to offer our sincerest congratulations on your retirement and to acknowledge your fine service to the city,"  said Fire and Police Commission member Patsy Cashmore, who presented a letter of thanks from the city to Spahn.  

Spahn sang the National Anthem to begin the ceremony, held at Fire Station 1 and attended by dozens of city dignitaries, department personnel, friends and family.  

"I couldn't have done it alone," Spahn said as he thanked a long list of fire and city personnel. He then focused his remarks on his family, choking up as he spoke. 

"If it wasn't for my family, I couldn't have handled it day to day or the pressures," he said. "I wish this organization continued success." 

Spahn's , when he was hired full time by the Division of Public Works. He transferred to the Fire Department in 1981. 

Spahn spent five years as a firefighter/emergency medical technician and then a number of years as a firefighter/paramedic. He was then a heavy equipment operator and later deputy chief before serving as assistant chief for 14 years. A little more than five years ago, he became just the fourth chief in the department’s history. 

"He's a wonderful human being," said Mayor Michael Neitzke. "He's dedicated his life to this city and this department."

Spahn said his first day of retirement will be spent working out, cutting the grass and catching a nap. Spahn's summer plans include a trip to Hawaii. He said after the ceremony that he would like to teach part time at a local college.