Retired HFD chief Gritz honored with surprise reception

Surprise! Recently retired Hennessey Fire Chief Bert Gritz was presented this plaque immediately before the Hennessey Board of Trustees adjourned their Thursday night meeting. Gritz, a board member and former mayor, was surprised when firefighters and their families filled the board room to honor him. Gritz retired June 30 after serving as an HFD firefighter for 45 years. Firefighter spouses Kathie Matousek and Tabatha Scott served up cake and punch to families, firefighters and other well-wishers in the Town Hall lobby. Pictured on his right is longtime Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal James Matousek and on his left is Fire Chief Brandon Scott, who was appointed chief effective July 1, 2023. Matousek recalled when he and Gritz worked on fire trucks in an old garage before the Main Street fire station was built. Other firefighters pictured are, from left: Jaylen Goff, Kaleb Hladik, Tyson Copeland, Capt. Jake Streck, Cris Pribyl, Capt. Logan Macy, Randy Bohnstedt (who is also a town trustee, but didn’t wear his uniform so it wouldn’t spoil their surprise), Corey Trotter, Dustin Grellner, Levi Copeland, Capt. Terry Berkenbile, Capt. Dustin Munroe and Kyle Keeton. [Photo by Barb Walter]