Battalion Chief Ron Lemley hangs up his firefighter’s uniform for the last time on Friday, Dec. 22.
Ron graduated from Jasper High School in 1984 and two weeks later was a member of the US Army and later the Army National Guard. While active, he served for 23 years in various locations, including Germany and Iraq. He worked as an EMT.
When honorably discharged, he did odd jobs for a while, then joined the ambulance service at NARMC. He joined the fire service in 1998 and became a full-time firefighter in 2000.
Two years ago, the training officer position came open. “It’s a testable position, and I passed. Being a firefighter is a young man’s job, and being awarded an office opportunity was different and a good learning experience for me,” he said.
Division Chief of Operations Thanh Ketchum said, “Ron will definitely be missed. We started together in 1998, tested, were promoted, and moved up the ranks together. Ron is not going to be an easy one to replace. His knowledge and leadership will carry on through our department for many years, thanks to his training of all our younger firefighters. I wish Ron the best for his retirement. It is well deserved.”
Ron said, “Seeing what these guys do on the job is impressive. I’m not on the engine daily, but I’m still a part of the team. The amount of training these guys require to remain certified is extremely difficult. I’m very proud to be a Harrison firefighter and appreciate being able to serve our community. These young guys don’t have to be here. They know this is not the job to do to be rich. But it’s very rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
"Battalion Chief Ron Lemley has been a vital member of the Harrison Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction Division since 2021 as a Training Officer and Inspector for the City of Harrison. He has helped coordinate the EMT licensing program for the department and established a training program for the department based on the needs of our firefighters and the citizens. His other assigned duties included fire inspections, building construction inspections, and serving as a Juvenile FireSetter specialist to help counsel children who played with fire. The department will truly miss him and has left a strong positive impact on previous and future members of the Harrison Fire Department," Division Chief Jeremy Sansing said.
Ron is the father of four grown sons and looks forward to more fun times with the five grandchildren.
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