MiddletownJournal.com

TURTLECREEK TWP. — Bill and Sandy Stevens have never heeded to the adage of not taking their work home with them.

"I don't know if it would work for everybody, but I couldn't imagine it being any other way for us," Sandy said.

On Wednesday, Dec. 31, the Stevenses retired with a combined 59 years of serving Turtlecreek Twp.

Bill started as one of the township's first volunteer firefighters in 1970, eventually becoming the first full-time fire chief and maintenance supervisor in 1982. Sandy started as a volunteer with the emergency medical service in 1987 and became a full-time assistant chief in 2002.

Bill began with the fire department after receiving a call from a former boss, Red Bostick, who was starting Turtlecreek's volunteer fire department.

"I didn't know nothing about being a fireman," Bill said with a full-bellied laugh. At the time, the company was made up of 10 men. Today, the company has 55.

"He made the fire department what it is — outstanding," said trustee Dan Jones. "Both Bill and Sandy are superheroes. They have tireless energy for the job."

Sandy volunteered to be an emergency medical technician in 1987.

"I was looking for something to do and it just fit," Sandy said. "I loved it from day one."

Sandy and Bill met when Sandy volunteered in the first EMS class offered by the township. They married in 1992. They have four children and five grandchildren.

Sandy said their retirements are spurned in large part due to her health. Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer 21/2 years ago. While her cancer has since gone in remission, doctors found a brain tumor in May.

While Sandy's health continues to improve, she and Bill say they need a lot of time to meet with doctors and recuperate. "I wish I didn't have to quit, but I need to rest and heal," Sandy said. "It's not fair to the township either. They need someone who is 100 percent."

The Stevenses say they hope to travel and relax in retirement, but haven't ruled out coming back to the EMS squad — as volunteers.

"If we want to come back, we can do that," Sandy said. "But we also want to spend time with our kids and grandkids and visit friends and relatives."

While the Stevenses may depart from the firehouse, their memory will never be far. The firehouse is named for Bill, which he says is a great honor.

Replacing Bill will be assistant chief Steve Flint. Erin Monroe will step into the role of EMS chief for Sandy.

To honor the Stevenses, an open house will be held at the William Stevens Fire Station from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 11. The station is located at 670 North Ohio 123.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.