OLMSTED TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The longest-serving member of the Olmsted Township Fire Department retired on Thursday and was given a spectacular farewell after his last shift.
Lieutenant Joseph Fudale worked as a firefighter with the Olmsted Township Fire Department for 35 years. After his last day on the job, a procession of police and fire vehicles drove past his home, giving him a proper salute and send-off.
When asked, Lt. Fudale said he is going to miss being around his fellow firefighters and doing the job he’s loved for so many years.
“We work a 24-hour shift so I’ve spent a third of my life with the guys that I work with, The only people I’m with more are my family here at home, so we have a lot of time spent together,” Lt. Fudale said. “I’m gonna miss being with the guys and I’m gonna miss doing the job.”
MetroHealth's Metro Life Flight also celebrated Lt. Fudale’s retirement with a flyover during his farewell.
When asked what was in store for him after 35 years of hard work and service, Lt. Fudale had just one word: vacation.
