John Hobbs (right) and Chuck Schaitberger were both recognized for their 32 years of service as volunteer fire fighters here in Eden Prairie. Both of these fine people joined while still in High School. John joined first and then got his good friend Chuck interested and Chuck then joined about a month later. Those events took place back in 1973! At the time these two joined the Fire Department was only 6 years old, and the city was nothing like the developed city we live in now.
Often when the call to service came in the two were in class. The head custodian, Ray Mitchell, was also the Fire Chief. Chuck and John would jump into Ray’s pick-up truck and head off to the fire!
Through thick and thin these two have remained close friends as well as dedicated and selfless fire fighters.
When I first joined the department these two were both at the station I responded to for calls. Chuck was my Lieutenant and John was already one of the informal leaders at the station and within the entire department. What a pair. Both taught me and other new fire fighters so many lessons, both about fighting fires and about the history of the department and the city.
The city and department will be forever indebted to these two for their selfless service and positive influence on the last 32 years of new fire fighters. Their legacy will last forever.
Thank you both for a job incredibly well done!
