BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — 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.
“I remember when I first got hired, Captain Rutledge was a captain at that time. That was 26 years ago. It’s amazing. He was at a very busy station. And that’s another thing about Joe is that he’s never been one to shy away from work,” Albertson said. “He’s somebody who’s dedicated to service, dedicated to the community, dedicated to the department.”
Albertson says Rutledge is likely one of the longest serving firefighters in Bakersfield history.
“I think he’s been a firefighter more than half of his lifetime. A lot of people can’t say that. It’s truly remarkable. So, it’s just incredible that he’s willing to recognize them and get that story out there,” Albertson said. “I don’t think we have ever had a Bakersfield firefighter stay that long, much less at the captain rank. And being able to have such a remarkable impact on all those people that they’ve interacted over those 40 years.”
With his wit, expertise and community impact, the Chief says Captain Rutledge will be missed by the entire department.
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