OH Chief to Retire after 30 Years in Fire Service

MILLERSBURG, OH—After a 30-year career in firefighting, Scott Balder is stepping back from the front lines.

Balder, who has spent 27 years fighting fires in Holmes County — the last 11 as chief of the Holmes County Fire District No. 1, where he helped turn the department into a 24/7 operation — will end his reign at the end of the month.

In 2009, he replaced Jay Riley as chief. He served as assistant chief under Riley and previous fire Chief Jim 'Buzz' Weigand.

Jeff Huebner, a member of the Board of Directors of the Holmes Fire District, said replacing an experienced leader like Balder will not be easy.

"Scott has led us for the past several years and has done a great job of leading the department," Huebner said. "He's taken us from a part-time department to a full-time fire department, with employees on staff, which greatly benefits the community. He's done a great job, and I wish him well in his retirement."

Weigand is a longtime friend and coworker on the fire department with Balder.

"He was my assistant chief when I retired," Weigand said. "He's a really good people-person. He likes to get out and mingle with people. Everybody knows him, and he's easy to talk to. He's very personable. If you have a good rapport with people, it really helps in an emergency."

Weigand described Balder as a fiscally sensible administrator who knows how to pinch pennies.

"If he sees something we need, and he brings it to the board, they're well aware that he's not going to waste any money," he said of Balder. "If he's asking for something, it's probably well worthwhile.

"We've worked together on lots of fires. Usually, if we're on a fire, he's in charge, working on one area, and I'm off doing something else," Weigand added. "He's really good at setting things up and getting things going on a fire."

Fulfilling a lifelong dream

For Balder, a 30-year career as a firefighter fulfills his dream job aspirations.

He worked at the county highway garage out of high school, and he was encouraged to pursue fire training by former county Commissioner Bob Kaser, and by his parents.

"My dad served as a firefighter on the Sugarcreek Fire Department," he said. "I always remember him talking nothing but good memories of his days on the department. I have had many good mentors from the first day I became a member of the fire service. I have learned a lot from the people who surrounded me throughout my career.

"I was told one day by a mentor that you are only as good as the people you have around you," he continued. "And to this day, that holds very true."

Balder began his career in 1990 in Killbuck Township, and in 1993 he became a basic EMT. In 1994, he joined the Holmes Fire District No. 1 and became a lieutenant. That same year he became a certified diver and became a member of the Holmes County Dive team. He became the assistant fire chief in Killbuck in '95 and was named chief there the next year.

From 2000 to 2003, Balder worked at two different districts in Columbus. He said that was an extremely valuable experience when it came to making Holmes District No. 1 a full-time fire station, doubling the size of the force from two to four and making it a 24/7 operation.

Among his other accomplishments at Holmes Fire District No. 1 are the purchase of a new rescue and engine truck, and the renovation of the living quarters. He also enjoyed working with the people at Pomerene Hospital, the Holmes County Sheriff's Office, the Millersburg Police Department, the health department and the Emergency Management Administration.

"I really enjoyed working with the public, solving difficult problems and just being around to help other fire departments with their needs," he said. "I can't imagine being a volunteer fire chief in this day. The demands are endless. Hats off to all of you."

Balder said he looks forward to spending some time with his family and doing some hunting and fishing. He also plans to continue to serve the community as a volunteer firefighter/paramedic.

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