Firefighter to retire after 20-year career

Fort Scott Fire Department Lt. Nick Ruhl will officially retire July 1 after a 20-year career with the department. Several of Ruhl's friends, family members and coworkers attended a retirement reception in his honor on Wednesday at the Hawkins Public Safety Building. Ruhl is holding the fire helmet he wore during his years as a firefighter, and a gold-plated axe he received in honor of his retirement. The axe head and handle are inscribed with the dates Ruhl served with the department. Tribune photo/Jason E. Silvers

After July 1, Nick Ruhl might be spending more time at home, but that's just fine as far as his wife is concerned.

The Fort Scott resident and Fort Scott Fire Department firefighter was honored Wednesday by friends, family and colleagues for his 20-year career with the FSFD. Ruhl, a lieutenant in the department, said he is currently serving the department on a part-time basis with plans to fully retire on July 1.

His wife, Sondra, smiled with joy Wednesday as she happily snapped photos of her husband while guests consumed cake and punch during a retirement reception for Ruhl inside the Hawkins Public Safety Building.

"It will be a change in our daily lives, our weekly routines," she said. "But he's happier, so I think I'll be happier."

Ruhl said he began his career with the FSFD on July 1, 1987. It took him only four years to move up to the rank of lieutenant, which he earned in 1991. When asked what he would miss most about his job as a firefighter for the last two decades, Ruhl did not hesitate to respond.

"I'm going to miss the people," he said. "I've enjoyed serving the people of Fort Scott for 20 years."

Ruhl said after retirement, his days will be mostly spent fishing and hunting, and spending time with his family. But leaving the fire department doesn't mean he'll quit working though, as Ruhl said he plans to stay active, working in the construction industry.

As he grew a little older, Ruhl said it became somewhat easier for him to make the ultimate decision to retire. But he leaves behind a profession that he will miss greatly.

"I felt it was probably time for me to quit, maybe 'quit' is not the right word, it's hard to say," Ruhl said. "I'm getting older, and it's time to let some of these younger guys take over."

Ruhl said after his departure, various personnel changes will take place at the fire department. Some newer department members could be looking at promotions soon, as FSFD officials work on staffing issues to accommodate recently hired firefighters, Ruhl said.