ROSSFORD, Ohio — Though he initially announced his retirement almost two years ago, Rossford Fire Chief Josh Drouard says now he's finally ready for the bittersweet goodbye.
"I felt it was time for a fresh set of eyes," said the chief.
Forty-nine years ago, Drouard first fell in love with his eventual career in front of a TV screen.
"When I was a little kid, there was a television show named Emergency. It was the only night of the week I could stay up until 9, and my mom would pop popcorn on the stove and I could have a glass of pop and watch Johnny and Roy," said Drouard.
This led to him begging his parents for a visit to the local fire station. He says after that, he was hooked.
A picture of Drouard from that he was a kid shows him decked out in a fire chief's helmet on Christmas day. Little did he know, he would be wearing something just like that for decades to come.
Fast forward to today, and after a long career fulfilling his childhood dreams, he's finally ready to put away his fire chief helmet.
"It still is the best job in the world. I mean where else can you go and affect somebody having the worst day of their life and try to make it better?" said Drouard.
During his career, the chief was involved in the full gamut of a firefighter's job; from cardiac resuscitations to delivering babies, the chief did it all. One of those babies he helped bring into the world was even named after him.
He says his career has taught him a lot.
"It taught me that life is very fragile and don't take a lot of stuff for granted, because it can change in a minute," said Drouard.
Firefighters, Michael Lord and Jared Baker say that the chief made a difference in everyone's lives and that his impacts are continuing to be felt by those around him.
"Something in a manager or boss you don't see very often," said Baker.
Lord agreed.
"(He is) supportive. Someone that would really push you," said Lord.
The chief says he plans to stay busy despite his retirement, and expressed his gratitude towards his coworkers and the community...and is preparing to say goodbye to his second home...for the last time.
"They've been a great group to work with and I will miss them," said Drouard.
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