Two Columbus firefighters retire, each with 29 years of service

The Columbus Fire Department is congratulating two firefighters on their retirements, with a combined nearly 60 years on the force.

Former Columbus deputy fire chief Dan Bates has retired after 29 years with the agency.

According to the Columbus Fire Department, Bates retired on Friday. He joined the department in May of 1996 and served as deputy chief under two city administrations.

During his time with the fire department, Bates was involved in department sporting events, the Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund and the departments color guard and honor guard details.

Lt. Ron Sexton has also retired with 29 years of service.

Sexton served in the department’s mechanical division before being appointed a firefighter in June of 1996. Sexton was promoted to Lieutenant in 2012.

According to the department, Sexton received a commendation in 2021 after rescuing an occupant of a home who was trapped in a residential fire.