LOGANSPORT —
After 42 years of fighting fires, Dennis Kuritz is hanging up his helmet.
The veteran ladderman for the Logansport Fire Department began his career in August 1968. Over the years, he fought some tough blazes, including fires that took the lives of people and pets and injured firefighters. As he looked back at his time spent enveloped by smoke inside burning structures, he said the time passed quickly.
“It hasn’t been near as long as it sounds,” he said in an interview last week.
Kuritz recalled battling fires in downtown Logansport that destroyed well-known buildings.
The biggest fire he helped extinguish was the Cole Hardwood fire. Others include the Fernbaugh’s fire on Broadway and the license bureau fire in the 400 block of East Market Street that took the life of a city worker and his wife.
“There have been several large fires I have been involved in,” Kuritz said.
Kuritz likely fought his last fire Thursday night into Friday morning. An electrical overload caused the house at 1325 North St. to burn. Assistant chief Kim Costello had offered to let him go home early that day but Kuritz refused.
“I’ve got 12 hours left,” Kuritz reportedly said in response.
Kuritz didn’t know what he would miss most about the job he called the best in Logansport. He said he has had many rewarding days when a life was saved, along with his share of sad days when the outcome wasn’t so good.
Kuritz considered his fellow firefighters a fine bunch of guys. He noted that even if they didn’t share the same opinion on a subject, they always came together when duty called.
“We may have differences of opinion, but when we’re involved in an accident or when we’re involved in a fire, that’s all set aside,” he said. “We have one goal. No matter what the difference is in opinion, that’s all forgotten.”
During a retirement party at central fire on Thursday, Costello complimented Kuritz’ reliability.
“Denny was always one you could count on,” Costello said.
Kuritz put family first so when someone needed a day off because of a birthday party or wedding, he stepped in to fill the shift so that person wouldn’t miss out.
Costello pointed out that Kuritz had always been an asset to the department.
“He is one that understands that if there is a job or task to be done, he will fulfill it to his fullest,” he said.
Costello used the example of tending to the grave sites of deceased firefighters, something Kuritz had done each Memorial Day since 1969.
Kuritz thanked Costello for the compliment about his work ethic.
For his efforts, Kuritz received the State Fire Marshal’s Meritorious Service Award.
The medallion is engraved with the state seal resting on a Maltese Cross, which is the fire service symbol of bravery and service. There are also three stars that represent the three dimensions of fire service — volunteer service, career fire service and wives and husbands of the firefighters who are asked to support the lifestyle unique to being a firefighter.
So what’s next for Kuritz? He says he plans to accomplish the things he didn’t have time for while working as a firefighter.
• Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at 574-732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com.
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Related Photos
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MOVING ON: After fighting fires for the Logansport Fire Department since 1968, 69-year-old Dennis Kuritz is retiring. Here, he poses with the fire engine he was assigned to the last part of his career. Kevin Lilly
Discussion
Last fire fought
Dennis Kuritz retires from Logansport Fire Department after 42 years.
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