Ronnie Getz retired from Harrison Fire Department May 25. He began working for Harrison Fire Department part-time in 1994. Over the course of 28 years, he became full-time, was promoted to lieutenant, and achieved many certifications.
Among many awards and commendations, Fire Chief Rob Hursong says that Getz' deployment to FEMA response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina stands out. Getz was appointed assistant strike team leader in Lake Charles and then assistant operations leader in Cameron Parish (Louisiana).
Getz is a 15-year member of Hamilton County Fire Investigation Unit and served as West Team Leader. Throughout his career, he assisted with the investigation, arrest, prosecution and convictions of 11 arson and aggravated arson cases that involved Harrison Fire Department.
In other HFD personnel news, Firefighter and Paramedic Nicholas Alan Loos was promoted to full-time May 29. He was first hired by HFD in July 2020 and is a graduate of Scarlet Oaks Fire & Emergency Rescue Academy and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. In addition to being a firefighter, he is a nationally registered paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue technician and HAZMAT technician.
The Harrison Fire Department staffs 10 people at two stations each day to provide a high level of firefighting and paramedic services. The department maintains a Class 2 ISO rating.