By Amy Joles
Editor
CARO — Firefighters proudly stood by outgoing Chief David Mattlin at the Caro City Council meeting Monday evening.
The crew also stood by as their new chief, Randy Heckroth, swore to honor and preserve the integrity of the Caro Fire Department.
“I appreciate this honor,” Heckroth said Monday evening. “I am going to do my best to keep the fire department strong.”
Heckroth, 52, credited Mattlin with building a strong fire department and being the driving force behind a well-educated crew.
Exactly 30 years ago, Mattlin became the department’s chief in 1982. Prior to that, Mattlin had a career in law enforcement, working for the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Department and Caro Police Department.
Mattlin first started battling fires as a volunteer firefighter in 1974 while working as a full-time police officer.
Heckroth, a firefighter since 1991, recalled a time when Mattlin gave him a traffic ticket in Caro.
“I don’t even remember that,” said Mattlin, laughing.
Since joining the Caro Fire Department, Heckroth has proven himself as a motivated leader. He is one of several firefighters to obtain ‘Fire Officer III’ certification. He is also a certified state fire instructor.
Mattlin said he is proud that the Caro Fire Department’s training and expertise is unparalleled in the area, partially due to Heckroth’s ability to offer intense training courses locally.
“Randy is going to do a fine job,” he added. “He is experienced and well-trained. He will do just fine and the department is in good hands.”
Mattlin will continue on as the second assistant chief, a position formerly held by Heckroth. Mattlin has worked as part-time fire chief since July 2010. His final day as fire chief on the city payroll will be Feb. 17.
Following his retirement as chief, Mattlin said he is looking forward to helping and consulting with organizations that would like to create emergency plans. He may also do some other volunteer work, but plans on spending time at the fire hall, too.
Heckroth said he will not have set hours at the office, but is looking forward to taking charge of the department.
“We are not shuffling around the whole department,” he said. “The name has changed on the door, but our goals are the same.”
Heckroth said he is glad to have Mattlin continue on with the department.
“We are happy to keep him on for his experience and expertise,” he said. “You don’t just walk away from a job like this after 30 years.”
Heckroth and his wife, Shelley, have been married for 30 years. He is a 1977 Cass City High School graduate. Heckroth worked for Means Stamping in Vassar for 25 years before the factory closed. He is currently employed as a stone cutter with Cumings Memorials in Caro.
His son, James Heckroth, is also a Caro firefighter.
Amy Joles is the editor of the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at joles@tcadvertiser.com.