ASHLAND – He may not be the face of the Ashland Fire Department, but assistant chief Daniel Raudebaugh serves as the glue that holds the department together.
That was the analogy one staff member of the fire department used to describe Raudebaugh’s often behind-the-scenes role, for which he was nominated and chosen by his peers as the department’s Officer of the Year for 2017. The award was presented at the department’s annual banquet on Jan. 20.
Raudebaugh is charged with a range of administrative tasks such as overseeing the interview and hiring process, updating department policy, writing grants and facilitating employee evaluations for the department’s 37 firefighters.
What stands out most is not what Raudebuagh does but how he does it.
Raudebaugh’s colleagues and subordinates at the station say they watch him lead by example, demonstrating leadership in everything he does.
He’s “overworked 90 percent of the time and still has a smile on his face,” one person wrote of Raudebaugh in his nomination.
The assistant chief has a reputation for fairness and impartiality as well as helpfulness and a positive attitude. He sets clear expectations and doesn’t play favorites, according to the staff.
Raudebaugh has been with the department 18 years and also has 28 years of service with the Jeromesville Fire Department, where he worked part-time until his resignation last summer. At the Ashland Fire Department, he was promoted to captain in 2010 and again to assistant chief in 2012.
While he spends a lot of time on administrative tasks at the station these days, Raudebaugh said it’s getting out and helping people that has been the highlight of the job over the years.
“Anytime you go out on a run, you’ve made a difference for them, whether it be a fire call or an EMS call or a crash,” he said. “That is always where I’ve gotten the most enjoyment and satisfaction.”
Raudebaugh said he felt humbled to be chosen as Officer of the Year. He would rather stay behind the scenes and let someone else accept the accolades, he said.
“I feel like I work hard and try to do the best I can, but the guys I work with deserve it just as much as I do,” Raudebaugh said.
Also nominated for the award was Ken Gardner.
Raudebaugh lives in Jeromesville with his wife, Julie. The pair have two sons, Ben, who is studying to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the fire service, and Zach, who studies welding.
