Bath Township Fire Chief Announces Retirement
Bath Township Fire Chief Announces Retiremente
Bath Township Fire Chief Joseph Kitchen has notified the Bath Township Board of Trustees of his intention to retire from the Bath Township Fire Department effective July 3, 2026. Chief Kitchen formally advised the Board during an executive session held on May 5, 2026.
Chief Kitchen joined the Bath Township Fire Department in 1990 and was appointed Fire Chief in April 2002. During his 24 years as Fire Chief, the department evolved from an all-volunteer organization into a combination department staffed by full-time firefighter/paramedics and supplemented by part-time fire and EMS personnel providing 24-hour-a-day service to the community.
Over the course of his tenure, the department experienced significant growth and modernization through the collective efforts of township leadership, department personnel, and community support. During that time, multiple fire apparatus and pieces of equipment were replaced and upgraded, and in 2011 the township completed a major expansion and renovation of the fire station to better meet the needs of the community.
Throughout his career, Chief Kitchen remained actively involved in numerous professional organizations and committees at the local, state, and federal levels. Most recently, he is completing his term as President of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Reflecting on his retirement, Chief Kitchen stated:
“Being a member of the Bath Township Fire Department and having the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief has been the honor of a lifetime. I will be forever grateful to the residents of Bath Township for giving me the opportunity to live a life of service.”
Contact: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief 419-221-0550
Bath Township Fire Chief Announces Retirement
Bath Township Fire Chief Announces Retiremente
Bath Township Fire Chief Joseph Kitchen has notified the Bath Township Board of Trustees of his intention to retire from the Bath Township Fire Department effective July 3, 2026. Chief Kitchen formally advised the Board during an executive session held on May 5, 2026.
Chief Kitchen joined the Bath Township Fire Department in 1990 and was appointed Fire Chief in April 2002. During his 24 years as Fire Chief, the department evolved from an all-volunteer organization into a combination department staffed by full-time firefighter/paramedics and supplemented by part-time fire and EMS personnel providing 24-hour-a-day service to the community.
Over the course of his tenure, the department experienced significant growth and modernization through the collective efforts of township leadership, department personnel, and community support. During that time, multiple fire apparatus and pieces of equipment were replaced and upgraded, and in 2011 the township completed a major expansion and renovation of the fire station to better meet the needs of the community.
Throughout his career, Chief Kitchen remained actively involved in numerous professional organizations and committees at the local, state, and federal levels. Most recently, he is completing his term as President of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association.
Reflecting on his retirement, Chief Kitchen stated:
“Being a member of the Bath Township Fire Department and having the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief has been the honor of a lifetime. I will be forever grateful to the residents of Bath Township for giving me the opportunity to live a life of service.”
Contact: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief 419-221-0550
Bath Township Fire Chief Announces Retirement