Photo submitted by Jerry Hammerbeck Several past fire chiefs attended a recent 90th birthday party for Dick Laih, who served 60 years with the North Warren Volunteer Fire Department. All the living past chiefs attending are, from left, Chief Bob Goodwill, who served from 1986-1991; Chief Mike Wadlow, who served 2015-2021; Dick Laih, who served a total of 13 years spanning throughout the 1970s and 1980s; Chief Shawn Jones, who served from 2022-2024; Chief Tim Reynolds, who served from 2001-2014; Chief Dave Larson, who served from 1996-1997 and 1999-2000; and Chief Jerry Hammerbeck, who is the department’s current chief.

Dick Laih has seen a lot in his 90 years – including 45 years of fire department leadership taking the time to celebrate the longtime firefighter’s birthday.

On Wednesday, the North Warren Volunteer Fire Department threw Laih a surprise party to celebrate the milestone. Several past fire chiefs attended. Laih has been a staple within not only the department but within the county as well. Serving many years as Warren County fire coordinator, Laih joined the North Warren Volunteer Fire Department in March 1956 when he was just 20 years old meaning that he is approaching 70 years of service with North Warren. He quickly rose up through the ranks serving as lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and then for 13 years on and off from 1970 through 1985. From 1986 on he kept serving in many roles and most recently as a dedicated driver and pump operator. Laih retired as an “active” member in 2016 where he finally hung up his gear and stopped driving and pumping. However, it hasn’t stopped him from showing up to just about every single Wednesday night drill/meeting at the department.