State and local officials, friends and family turned out Friday to honor retiring Poplar Bluff Fire Department Chief Ralph Stucker.
Stucker was recognized during an event at the Black River Coliseum. His last day as chief is Saturday, July 31. Battalion chief Mike Moffitt takes over Sunday as the new chief.
“Ralph is a great person… and has been a great leader for our fire department,” city manager Matt Winters said in opening the event, which was attended by more than 75 people. “I appreciate everything he has done for his community.”
Mayor Steve Davis recognized Stucker with a proclamation from the city, noting the chief’s accomplishments.
“The mayor and city council are justly proud of Ralph Stucker and extend our sincere appreciation,” the proclamation stated.
Stucker was also recognized with the Lloyd Miler Award from the Butler County Emergency Management Agency.
EMA Director Robbie Myers acknowledged Stucker’s efforts to help bring about change during a difficult time period for the local EMA office.
“In the summer of 2012, he had enough and he led an effort with other community leaders to work with the county commission and a change was made,” said Myers, who said as interim EMA director he worked closely with Stucker and others to try to rebuild relationships for the safety of the community. “For seven years now, we’ve worked very closely, trying to keep the city and county working very closely as it relates to safety.”
Stucker is the eighth recipient of the Miler award, which recognizes the devotion and work of its recipients for the safety of the community.
Tim Bean, the state fire marshal, also spoke to recognize Stucker, as well as the sacrifice of Stucker’s family, including wife, Pam.
Rick Shanklin of the National Weather Service, who also retired Friday, praised Stucker, saying he had been a great partner as fire chief and in emergency management. Stucker has also served as emergency management director for the city.
“It’s not often we find partners that we connect with as well as we have with Chief Stucker,” Shanklin said.
Moffitt described Stucker as a great friend and a great chief, saying he would be missed.
Stucker closed the event by recognizing those he has worked with over the years.
“It’s been a blast the last 26 years,” Stucker said. “I’ve got to meet some incredible people, not only here in the city but throughout the state.”