After serving in nearly every position in the department for more than 30 years, the Valley Regional Fire Authority’s Mike Gerber is retiring on Dec. 31.
Gerber began his employment with the legacy Auburn Fire Department on Jan. 1, 1987, as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. He was a member of the Special Operations Team as a rescue technician and hazardous materials technician for 10 years. In 1997, he was promoted to captain, followed by a promotion to battalion chief in 1999. During this time, he served as the department’s training chief and chief of Emergency Medical Services. Gerber was promoted to assistant chief in 2004 and deputy chief in 2006.
Over the course of his career, Gerber was awarded the Medal of Valor, two Medals of Merit with Combat “C” and seven Meritorious Unit Citations. He was chosen as Auburn Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year in 1994 and Fire Officer of the Year in 1998.
When plans to create the first regional fire authority in the state, serving Algona, Auburn and Pacific, then-Mayor Pete Lewis tapped Gerber to lead the effort at the fire department. The collective effort and leadership of that team led to the successful passage of a 2006 ballot measure in all three cities to create the Valley Regional Fire Authority – beginning Jan. 1, 2007. Gerber served as the first acting fire chief and longtime deputy chief until his retirement.
“While many had architectural visions of Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA), it was Mike – acting as ‘Chief Mechanic’ and ‘Trail Boss’ – that successfully brought the details and members together, so the elected leaders could make their case to the voters,” said Eric Robertson, administrator of the VRFA. “Because of Gerber’s leadership and tireless effort at the fire department, it all came together in months and was stood up in another two months. His work was the foundation of the past 10 years and for years to come.”
Gerber began his retirement by taking some well-earned leave, beginning his new role as full-time husband to wife Shannon and “Chief Grandfather” to his seven young grandchildren.
“I am told the snowmobiles are in full action and the fishing poles stand ready for the spring,” Gerber said.
“This was a retirement well earned,” Robertson added.
