Patrick Shillito Staff Writer 10/27/2009 After more than 30 years of working to keep Susanville safe, Susanville Fire Department Chief Stu Ratner is retiring. Ratner announced his retirement at the Oct. 21 Susanville City Council meeting. After his announcement, Ratner was greeted with numerous handshakes and a standing ovation. While Ratner graciously accepted the praise of both city staff and community members, the man who has built a long standing reputation as being a humble servant of the community took it all in stride. “I have never forgotten that the chief is only as good as the people he or she has working for them,” Ratner said at the meeting. “I now look forward to time spent with my wife Jan and children Sarah, Janna, Tessa, David Mallory and Zachary.” Ratner joined the Susanville Fire Department in 1977. In January of 1978, Ratner was hired as a full-time firefighter for the department. Since then, he said he has had experience doing every job at the fire department. He was selected as fire chief for the department by the Susanville City Council about five years ago. In that time, Ratner has helped the department reach new heights, from the various grants it has received over the years to various pieces of new equipment to a more well defined training program for its firefighters. “There have been a lot of proud moments here,” Ratner said. “Anywhere from working out in the public and doing school programs to inspections and writing grants for fire equipment. I think one of the first grants (then Chief Steve) Rose let me work on was for Rescue Engine 622.” Ratner said he was very proud of the outstanding working relationship that was forged with all of the other fire agencies in Lassen County during his time here. “This job gets harder as time goes on,” Ratner said. “Because there’s so many dangers out there. I don’t think a lot of people recognize what the crew really goes to, from everyday flu problems to the hazardous lifestyle and rescue work.” Ratner, whose last official day will be on Dec. 30, 2009, said the department has been left in more than capable hands. As he has so many times over the years, Ratner speaks only the highest praise of his firefighters, whom he considers family. As for his wife and kids, most of whom are currently living in Chico, Calif. Ratner said the one thing he is looking forward to more than anything is spending his retirement with his kids. He said he might breakout one of his vintage guitars from time to time or get back in touch with his 1970’s model Harley Davidson motorcycle. One thing Ratner did say was going to be difficult would be living life away from the scanner, meaning a life away, from being needed at a moments notice. “That’s going to be tough,” Ratner said. “I’m going to have to see how I deal with that. Once in the fire service, always in the fire service. I don’t know if I’ll ever adjust to that part. When I hear the siren, it’s going to be tough. But on the other hand, we have very capable people to do the job, and that gives me some peace.” The day after Ratner announced his retirement, he got into one his department’s fire engines and went out on a call. Ratner said staying physically fit has been a crucial part of his time here in Susanville. Ratner said it’s important for firefighters to stay in shape for their job, which is something he has stressed at the department. He said he was going to continue his routine of working out every day even into retirement. “I would hope that I helped with, safety, teamwork, cooperation and respect,” Ratner said. “My heart has been here, I think we’ve worked hard to accomplish a lot of different goals, and the city has supported me. Hopefully I gave enough back to the city. There has never been a time where I wasn’t proud of what I did or who I am, and I still feel that today. I’m especially proud of my crew.” Ratner said he has been very thankful for the job and the people he has worked with over the years. “I’d like to thank the community for believing in me enough to be their fire chief, and I wish everyone well. I think it’s an honor to be the fire chief, and its one that I take very seriously.”