Wednesday marked 30 years to the day of service for Morgantown Fire Capt. William “Mickey” Rinehart.
It was also the day of his retirement party and last shift.
“I don’t know if it’s really sunk in yet but it’s gonna be a change I think,” the 52-year-old said.
Fellow firefighters gathered Wednesday afternoon at Northside Station, on Van Vooris Road, to present Rinehart a plaque with a golden ax, share memories and say goodbye.
Lt. Mark Thalman has been with the department for 19 years and said Rinehart was instrumental in his career’s development. He credited Rinehart, who is also a paramedic, for teaching him a lot about the medical side of the job.
“It’s been fun to work with Capt. Rinehart all these years,” Thalman said. “He’s been a true leader, as well as a mentor to me.
Thalman said there have been plenty of fires under Rinehart’s “fantastic” leadership but he’s never lost a firefighter to one.
“No fire deaths whatsoever,” Thalman said.
Fire Chief Mark Caravasos said Rinehart will be missed.
“I’ve known Mickey since we began our careers as volunteers in the volunteer service here in the county,” Caravasos said. “He’s like a brother.”
When Rinehart, described as well-educated, well-trained and liked by those under his command, was the duty officer, Caravasos said he knew there was nothing to worry about.
Rinehart might not have set hours anymore but he has plans to keep himself busy.
“Gotta stay busy,” he said.
Rinehart and his wife are looking into a business venture and he’s hopeful it pans out, but said it was too early to share details.
He also plans to continue serving the community as a firefighter in his role as chief of River Road Volunteer Fire Department.
“I think the fire service, much like a lot of other emergency services, is once you get the bug you’re kind of in it for life,” Rinehart said.
That bug bit him on his first fire call to a “room and contents” fire on West Virginia Avenue. Rinehart said he was working hydrant, which meant he was responsible for securing the water supply.
“It was pretty easy but kinda got me stoked for the rest of the career.”
