By BOB SHRALUKA
The recent addition of Derek Schultz brings the Decatur Fire Department up to its full complement of 11 full-time firefighters and approximately 24 volunteers. The announcement was made by Chief Jeff Sheets.
Schultz fills the vacancy left by the recent retirement of former deputy chief Jim (Spank) Hitchcock.
Schultz, who previously served the county as a volunteer firefighter, said in a news release: “I am excited to start this position and serve the community in a new capacity. I always wanted to become a firefighter and now that this dream is a reality, I cannot wait to get started.”
Schultz, the son of Gregg and Tami (Scheumann) Schultz, is an Army veteran and a paramedic. He and his wife, the former Julia Brewer, and daughter, Jade, are Decatur residents.
The department has seen three veteran firefighters retire in the last year and a half: Hitchcock, a 30-year member of the department; former chief Les Marckel, 42 years, 32 with the Decatur DPD; and Tim Bauman, 42 years.
Brian (Bubba) Braun and Nick Patton filled the vacancies left by Bauman and Marckel, with Schultz becoming the latest addition.
Chad Baumann, a 25-year member of the department, was recently named deputy chief, replacing Hitchcock in that capacity.
