LETTER: Former chiefs salute veteran firefighters featured in Press
The cover of last week’s Ozaukee Press Good Living section featured Steve Schmidt and Tom Sharbuno, who have been Port Washington firefighters for 46 years. They were photographed in a vintage 1950 fire truck displayed in the Public Safety Building.
To Ozaukee Press:
We would like to convey our appreciation to Mitch Maersch for his wonderful article in last week’s Ozaukee Press about two very deserving individuals, Steve Schmidt and Tom Sharbuno.
Both of us had the pleasure, but more important, the honor of working with both Steve and Tom during our time with the Port Washington Fire Department.
Mr. Maersch gave several examples of that dedication and made the reader aware of the ongoing sacrifices that fire and emergency medical services personnel, both volunteers and salaried members, must make daily.
As stated in the Press article, Tom and Steve are really the chiefs who carry a lot of institutional knowledge, not only of the department, but the city as a whole. We are grateful for that, but what we value the most is their ongoing friendship and brotherhood.
Kudos to Steve and Tom as they continue to serve the City of Port Washington and continue the traditions and dedication to our fire department.
Mark Mitchell, fire chief 2004-2024
Marc Eernisse, fire Chief 1982-2004
Port Washington Fire Department
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