COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Several current and retired firemen from across Branch County were at the Coldwater Fire Department yesterday afternoon to join local firefighters and other public safety personnel for a surprise reception to honor retiring longtime Coldwater Fire Chief Rich Sherman.
This Friday, August 3rd, will be the last day on the job for Sherman.
He has been Chief since 1993, part of his 39 years with the Coldwater Fire Department.
Sherman said what he enjoyed most about his nearly four decades with the department and what he will miss will be the accomplishments achieved on the job in helping people and solving problems because of teamwork particularly in the event of an emergency. Sherman saluted his fellow workers, saying they are the reason Coldwater is a top rated unit while also pointing out what he said was the outstanding heritage of the department, united by a great work ethic and culture.
Succeeding Sherman will be Dave Schmaltz, a former Chief of fire departments in Battle Creek and Defiance, Ohio. The 46-year old Schmaltz started his career in Coldwater where he worked for ten years.
