With the new year fast approaching, it seems natural to consider the story of Father Time and Clear Lake Fire Chief Ron Koren’s retirement announcement. Though Koren does not resemble the grizzled old man with a long grey beard in his appearance, he has set his focus on the future and turning things over to his replacement.

After officially handing in his resignation to the council on Monday, Dec. 16, Koren sat down with this reporter to talk about his long career.

Turning Things Over

A reflective Koren explained his decision, one that he and his wife have been discussing for the past six months. Ultimately, he concluded that after 48 years of service, it was a good time to quit, saying, “I’ve done what I can and it’s time to turn it over.”

Koren joined the department in November 1977, was promoted to Assistant Chief in 1985, and eventually succeeded Howard Gray as Fire Chief in 1987. Gray was also looking to the future. The headline in the local newspaper quoted Gray, who said this about his retirement: “Times have changed.”

 Later in the article, Gray said, “I reached the ripe old age of 60.  I figured there were a lot of younger guys who could do the job.” (That article was written by Becker resident Mary Jo Mosher)

“Transitions are hard,” admitted Koren, “but transitioning to a new chief won’t be. . . In my years as Chief, I was smart enough to surround myself with good people.”

Assistant Chief Matt Lunser, who has served with Koren for the past eight years, will take over as Interim Chief until a new chief is appointed. “It only makes sense because he’s first assistant. He’ll do a good job. That’ll be no problem,” said Koren.

48 Years of Service

Koren talked about his tenure, proudly explaining that when he took over as chief, the only training a firefighter received was putting out live fires when they happened. He is proud that the department has implemented training and state certification during his time and is happy that it will continue. 

“I’ve had six training officers, and they’ve done a super job keeping us up to date on our training.”

He is also proud of his squad. 

“There’s real pride in this department, the way everyone gets along,” he said. “Everybody works as a team here and everybody knows their roles.”

That is what he will miss the most, the people - his fellow firefighters and the people of Clear Lake. 

“I’ll be shopping and someone will recognize you and yell, ‘Hey, Chief.’”  

Of course, he realizes that because he is the figurehead, he is recognizable, but he also believes that it is the whole department that should get the credit for its success. Clear Lake Fire was the first department to have a Lucas, a machine that does auto chest compressions. In fact, they had two. They are also the best equipped. 

“We’ve got equipment that surpasses other departments this size,” said Koren.

Koren admits that council has not always agreed with him on some things, but they have always considered his perspective and provided them with what they have needed. Later, he became emotional when he admitted how much it meant to him when they thanked him for his years of service.

Final Thoughts

Koren wanted to recognize his family. He wanted to thank them for putting up with all the absences from birthdays and family functions over the years, and for him having to drop everything for a late-night call. He also wanted to thank the department itself.

“I really enjoyed my time in this department and the opportunity to bring it as far as it’s come and whoever becomes chief can take it to the next level,” said Koren, sounding like Father Time himself.