FHFD District Chief Rebtoy Gets a Big Surprise

When someone told him to put on his Class A uniform this morning, Hills Fire Dept. District Chief Bob Rebtoy knew something was up.

What he thought was simple the dedication of a plaque honoring longtime Farmington Area Goodfellows volunteer Dick Tupper ended with a big surprise: The naming of Fire Station No. 3 in Rebtoy's honor.

"I didn't have a clue," Rebtoy said, adding Fire Chief Corey Bartsch told him last week that a banner had been moved onto the building atop the bays, because "somebody was messing with it".

"We had one on the front of the building, so I didn't think anything of it," Rebtoy said.

The banner was hanging in front of the station's new lettering. It was still in place this morning, as plaques were presented to both Mark and Jody Ziegler, of for their financial support of a statue installed at a station entrance, and to the family of long-time Farmington Area Goodfellows president Dick Tupper. The plaque honoring Tupper now hangs in front of the Neighborhood House office in the , for which the Goodfellows provided $250,000 in financial support.

Neighborhood House is the year-round assistance arm of the Goodfellows, a nonprofit that ensures no child or senior goes without a Christmas. The organization has a food pantry and provides other assistance to families in need.

As he made his closing remarks, Bartsch began hinting at what was to come. He noted Rebtoy's years of service to the department, as well as his longtime involvement with the Farmington Area Goodfellows.

"In appreciation for his 43 years of service to this community, for the sacrifices that not only he made, but his family ... we're proud to be able to name this fire station the Robert E. Rebtoy Fire Station," Bartsch said.

Former Fire Chief Richard Marinucci said Rebtoy has been chief of Station No. 3 since 1976. "He's maintained his passion for responding to calls for the fire service and for doing what's right, "he said. "I know he's ticked off a few people over time ... but overall, he's always done things in the best interest of the community. He's done things with service in mind."

Leslie Rebtoy said she's responsible for husband's involvement with the fire service. Years ago, her best friend, the daughter of firefighter Harvey Bartsch, invited the young couple to a dinner dance. There, Bob Rebtoy met local firefighters, who invited him to join them.

The day after the Rebtoys returned from their honeymoon, Bob Rebtoy spent his first day as a firefighter. Rebtoy made note of the fact that Harvey Bartsch was Chief Corey Bartsch's uncle.

"When I came on the department—are you ready for this, Corey?—Corey wasn't even born yet. And now he's my boss," Rebtoy said.