In a touching tribute to a storied career, retired Columbus Firefighter Steve Seigwardt was recognized for his dedication and influence on future generations at a ceremony held at the Columbus Division of Fire's training academy. Gathered on July 23, friends, colleagues, and members of Recruit Class 123 celebrated Seigwardt's imprint on Columbus Fire, as described in a social media post by the Columbus Division of Fire. The training staff bestowed upon Seigwardt a symbolic Thin Red Line flag, and the permanent installation of a street sign dubbed “Seigwardt St.” now adorning the training complex, joining a select few honored in such a manner.
Reflecting on the honor, Seigwardt shared his astonishment with the gesture, acknowledging the mentors before him who now accompany his name in legacy. “Those names that are listed above me are all my mentors,” Seigwardt expressed in a statement, “I was very humbled the other day when they put a sign up because I was not expecting that at all.” Having started his journey with the Columbus Division of Fire on July 26, 1992, Seigwardt's tenure included years at Station 14 and Station 22, where he served diligently before an injury shifted his career towards nurturing the fledgling firefighters entering the service.
Unbeknownst to Seigwardt, the training staff enticed him to the academy, framing the visit as another opportunity for him to impart wisdom to newcomers. “They asked me to come in and talk to some of the young kids, which is what I did down here a lot… So, that's what I thought I was doing and then they pretty much snuck it in on me,” he said in a statement obtained by the Columbus Division of Fire, revealing the surprise behind the honor that left him momentarily speechless.
Gratitude, a sentiment deeply felt by Seigwardt, was further accentuated by the recent loss of his father, a man who helped steer him towards the fire service and supported him throughout his career. “It was very humbling. I recently lost my father. He was very instrumental and helped guide me to the fire service. He built battering rams at Buckeye Steel for the fire department when I came on. He was totally supportive of everything that I've accomplished. So, now that that name is up there, I feel like Dad’s kind of up there with me too, so I appreciate that very much,” Seigwardt articulated, according to the Columbus Division of Fire. The legacy of Steve Seigwardt, now etched alongside his mentors and fellow legends of fire service training, continues to blaze a trail for those who will follow in his footsteps at Columbus Fire.
