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We hope you enjoy this abbreviated version of the

Frankenmuth News

Serving Frankenmuth Since 1906

Vol. 119 No. 39 In our 119th year!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

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Gene Rittmueller

Chief Rittmueller's visionary work modernized the Frankenmuth F.D.

  The year 1976 was a time of transition for the Frankenmuth Fire Department, and it came as a time when Frankenmuth resident Gene Rittmueller joined the department ranks.

  Through his first 11 years, followed as the fire chief from 1987 to 1997, the way fires were fought and equipment needs changed and Rittmueller was a big part of it.

  The former chief passed away Monday, March 24, following a year-long battle with illness at age 70.

  In 1976, the days of being outfitted with a helmet, coat, and boots and on the job training were coming to an end, recalls current FFD Chief Phil Kerns.

  Rittmueller and his peers were required to complete formal state firefighter certification and some basic first aid training.  

  “The country was positioning itself to have certified and skilled first responders due to the need for such qualifications,” Kerns said.

  In just over 10 years’ time, Rittmueller rose to the rank of Chief of the Frankenmuth Fire Department and helped implement the purchase of more modern equipment, including an aerial truck due to the growth of the built environment in Frankenmuth.

  Rittmueller also oversaw needed square footage increases in a 35-year-old fire station, due to the growing apparatus sizes and needed training space.

  𠇍uring his time as chief, 1987 to 1997, when he retired, the FFD was poised to meet the coming decades with an all-volunteer department that was prepared for the new millennium. Gene had a calling here as the fire chief, and was such a kind, giving, skilled, and ambitious person,” Kerns stated.

  Retired Fire Chief John Deterding grew up with Rittmueller. Deterding served 34 years with the department, and was named the FFD’s seventh chief in 2006. He retired at the end of 2016.

  “Gene was a childhood friend, classmate, sports teammate, and with the fire department. I had the privilege to serve with Gene in the department, and his leadership, commitment, and service were exceptional,” Deterding recalled. “Gene initiated modernization of the equipment and vehicles for the fire department with the benefits beings felt today. He established an equipment reserve account, funding future vehicle needs and acquisitions. His impact on the department remains and we thank him for his leadership and foresight.”

  Many who knew Rittmueller also saw how he cared for his wife, Michelle, during her illness and eventually becoming wheelchair-bound before her death.

  “My biggest remembrance of Gene is how he cared for Michelle during her illness and the commitment to her; it truly highlighted the type of person he was. I was proud to have known him and call him a friend,” Deterding said.

  David Wright, who followed Rittmueller to ascend to chief in 1997 until 2006, joined the FFD in 1978 and spent much time with Gene.

  𠇏irst and foremost, Gene was an excellent firefighter. His extensive knowledge and ‘hands-on’ abilities made him very effective,” Wright said. 𠇊s he advanced through the officer ranks, his organizational skills came to the forefront, eventually leading him to the position of fire chief. During his tenure as chief, Frankenmuth was growing and changing. Gene made sure the department kept up.”

  Frankenmuth is unique in that the city and township share the fire and police departments. Rittmueller was instrumental getting the firefighters the equipment needed to fight city and rural blazes and incidents. . . . 

   .....To read this complete story and other featured articles in this week's Frankenmuth News, click on the "Subscribe" tab at the left or call (989-652-3246) to begin receiving your weekly copy of the Frankenmuth News.