By Sandi Latimer
Staff Writer
Former Jackson Township Fire Chief Dannie Ashcraft (left) chats with recently retired Chief Rick Dawson. Ashcraft, who served as chief from 1992 to 1998, stopped by at Dawson’s retirement party Nov. 20. Dawson, who started as a volunteer firefighter in 1980, closed out his career with 35 years service.
Emergency Medical Services. Hazardous Materials. Terrorism. Words that were not part of the everyday language 35 years ago when Rick Dawson joined the Jackson Township Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter.
Today, the retired fire chief has been looked upon as creating the EMS unit, and making sure firefighters knew about hazardous materials.
“Chemicals haven’t changed,” he said. “It’s the way we handle them.”
“We didn’t have the word terrorism,” he quipped. “The only terror we had was the raccoon getting into the trash.”
Back in 1979 Dawson was doing landscaping when a friend signed him up to take the firefighter test in Columbus because there wasn’t much demand for landscaping work.
“I passed the test, but the class was cancelled because of a lack of finances,” Dawson said, reflecting on his firefighting career.
He then acted on a suggestion and started as a volunteer with Jackson Township in 1980. Two years later he became full-time.
In those days there were 39 firefighters at three stations.
“At times you did it all,” he reflected. “You’d answer the phone, and then go on the run. Sometimes you’d be the only one in the truck.”
As he headed into his final days, State Rep. Cheryl Grossman of Grove City remembered him for his unwavering dedication as she presented him with a commendation read before the Ohio House.
Adam Rapien from the office of Rep. Steve Stivers of Columbus gave him a flag certified to have flown over the U.S. Capitol, adding “it’s what we do for all retiring fire chiefs in the district.”
Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage said Dawson was known for helping others. “Grove City appreciates his work,” Stage said of the man he called ‘Mr. Grove City.’
Deputy Chief Randy Little, who will succeed his boss as head of the 110-member department, presented Dawson with a shadow box “resembling the 35 years of what you’ve given us.”
Township board chairman David Burris cited professionalism and outstanding service as he wished Dawson “best wishes for a long and happy retirement.” He also credited Dawson for getting the fourth fire station built.
“Thirty-five years ago, this day was a long way off,” Dawson acknowledged. “I had the opportunity to work with a lot of great people.”
So what does he have in mind for his retirement days?
“I like to tinker around the house, but I’ll look for other opportunities to serve people,” he said.
As for that proverbial honey-do list: “I’m afraid to look at it.” And he’ll have more time to spend with Amy, his wife of 21 years, and their two daughters Abby, 20, and Emily 18.
