Fire Chief General Fernbach bids emotional farewell as he retires due to health issues, according to Taylor Mill's announcement.
**Fire Chief General Fernbach Retires After Dedicated Service to Taylor Mill**
After more than two decades of service, Fire Chief General Fernbach is set to retire from the Taylor Mill Fire Department on June 30, 2025. His tenure, which began in 2003, has been marked by long-term dedication, recognized heroism, and impactful service to the community.
Born in Cincinnati and raised in Crescent Springs, General Fernbach's passion for firefighting began in kindergarten. He attended local schools, including Crescent Springs Elementary, Turkeyfoot Middle School, Dixie Heights, and Ryle High School. Before joining the fire department, he worked in accounts payable for Pomeroy and was promoted high up in the cable division.
One of General Fernbach's most notable achievements early in his career was the successful resuscitation of a child in Crescent Springs. This act of bravery set the tone for his future service and earned him the title of a hometown hero.
In 2003, General Fernbach joined the Newport Fire Department. After a company restructuring that saw their headquarters move to Nashville, he was offered a severance package. Instead of leaving the field, he pursued his dream of becoming a firefighter and became a volunteer, working as an assistant funeral director until he could obtain a paying job at the fire department.
His leadership skills, marked by an easygoing attitude and ready smile, quickly made him popular with the firefighters. In 2008, he joined the Taylor Mill Fire Department and became Assistant Chief in 2021, eventually taking on the role of Fire Chief in December of 2023.
Under his leadership, the Taylor Mill Fire Department maintained operational readiness and community safety. He oversaw the construction of the new firehouse in Taylor Mill, located next to the city building. His career significantly contributed to the safety and well-being of Taylor Mill residents through emergency response and fire safety.
However, General Fernbach is retiring primarily for health reasons. He has been battling brain cancer, a challenging battle that has taken its toll. The community has shown deep respect and appreciation for his service, as evident from official retirement acknowledgments and public thanks expressed by the city.
Despite his retirement, General Fernbach remains committed to making a difference. He plans to continue looking for opportunities to serve after his retirement. His role as a hometown hero symbolized commitment and service, inspiring community trust and confidence in local fire services.
On Monday evening, there will be a retirement party for General Fernbach, a fitting celebration of a career dedicated to saving lives and keeping the community safe. Despite his modesty, he finds it difficult to receive attention and gifts, but he is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.
General Fernbach is proud of his relationship with his 'guys' and wants them to remember that everything he did was with their best interests in mind. He is leaving a lasting legacy in Taylor Mill, one that will continue to inspire future generations of firefighters and community leaders.
- General Fernbach, a native of Cincinnati, has been serving the Taylor Mill community for over two decades, demonstrating a strong commitment to health and wellness through his service as Fire Chief.
- During his tenure, General Fernbach's significant achievements include managing medical-conditions, such as the successful resuscitation of a child in Crescent Springs early in his career, positioning him as a respected figure in health and science.
- keenly interested in education, General Fernbach attended local schools in the Northern Kentucky region, including Crescent Springs Elementary, Turkeyfoot Middle School, Dixie Heights, and Ryle High School.
- Despite retiring due to health reasons, specifically battling brain cancer, General Fernbach remains dedicated to continuous service, planning to engage in health-and-wellness initiatives post-retirement.
- In recognition of his lifetime achievement and unwavering dedication to the community, a retirement party will be held on Monday evening, celebrating General Fernbach's legacy as a community leader and hometown hero.
