VIDEO: After decades of service, the Bakersfield Fire Department is celebrating the retirement of one of its longest-serving firefighters.
“When I was 11 years old, we had a fire at my house. My garage caught on fire,” said Captain Joe Rutledge. “And I watched firemen do their job and thought that’s what I want to do.”
It’s not every day a firefighter retires — especially after four decades in service. Rutledge has been a commanding voice in Bakersfield Fire since the mid-1980s.
“A good firefighter does the minimum of what they’re what’s required of them. A great firefighter will go above and beyond and have great bedside manner with patients,” Rutledge said. Starting at 23 years old, Rutledge has had a lengthy career of helping the Bakersfield community — even beginning a tradition of fighting flames within his own family.
“I’m the first-generation firefighter of my family. My son is a firefighter in Wichita Falls, Texas. My grandson is a firefighter for Kern County Fire Department,” Rutledge said. “So, I feel my legacy in a certain way is going to be continued.”
Rutledge always wanted to be a captain, and even in his 60s, he never wanted to leave the action. For Fire Chief Kevin Albertson, he is saying goodbye to one of his early mentors.
KGET-TV NBC/CW+ 17 Bakersfield