ASHLAND — It was his retirement party and he refused to cry.
Steve Cellar, 55, said farewell to his fellow Ashland firefighters on Friday in his own, unique way: by pulling a prank.
The 25-year firefighting veteran received his parting gifts — a retirement bell, a golden fireman’s ax, a blown-up image of a younger Cellar and a photo collage framed by popsicle sticks — and then it was his turn to leave one of his compatriots a present.
He pulled out a framed certificate with Assistant Chief Dan Raudebaugh’s name inscribed under the words “Kill Joy Award.”
“This award is hereby given to Dan Raudebaugh, for his pre-engine arrival firefighting tactics and heroic individualism … we hereby present Assistant Chief ‘Water Can’ Dan Raudebaugh this citation of merit,” Cellar said amid laughter.
But Cellar wasn’t finished. He then pulled out a golden fire extinguishing water can as a “trophy” and a photoshopped image of a younger, high-school aged, Raudebaugh wielding a water can.
Raudebaugh, Cellar’s brother-in-law, took the joke in stride.
“It’s just part of being in the family,” Raudebaugh said later, referring to the close-knit community of firefighters within the division.
Raudebaugh started on the job a couple days after Cellar. They’ve worked together for 25 years. He said it was fitting to be on the receiving end of a prank from Cellar.
“He’s always been the guy to bring that ‘family’ atmosphere to the department,” he said. “We’re pretty serious around here most of the time. But, just like a family, you have to relax and find ways to laugh too.”
‘Tough to see him take off’
Fire Chief Rick Anderson said Cellar is a jokester, but he was always “level-headed” and not one to sugar coat anything.
“He’d tell ya the way it is,” Anderson said. “And that’s pretty great to have on a team … we’ll miss him. It’s tough to see him take off.”
Cellar said he’ll stick around. He said his shoulder and knees need a break.
“Honestly though … this is the stuff that makes this job fun. It’s all the ribbin’ people and jokes and stuff like that. There’s been a ton of pranks, I’ve been part of a lot of them,” he said.
Around 50 people showed up to the second floor of Central Station on Friday to celebrate Cellar’s retirement. The party included cake and snacks — and a Powerpoint presentation of photos of Cellar on the job.
Cellar’s job has already been filled, thanks to a “supportive” city council, chief Anderson said.
The city hired John Miller, 22, and Luke Hamman, 21, in February. Once their probationary periods are fulfilled, the fire division will be fully staffed with 38.
