George Smith

BUTLER TWP — After nearly a half-century of service to area fire departments, township fire marshal George Smith is hanging up his helmet for good.

Smith is a former fire chief for the City of Butler.

"I've been in this game since 1958," Smith said. "I think it's time for me to just retire. It's time to pass the baton to somebody else."

Township commissioners voted to accept Smith's resignation Monday, effective April 28, and seek a replacement for the part-time position.

"It's going to be hard to find someone with his qualifications," said Commissioner Joe Cavaliero, the board's representative on the fire commission. "I hate to see George go."

Other commissioners had similar reactions.

"It's going to be hard to find a guy with his knowledge and background," Commissioner Sam Zurzolo said. "I'll miss George."

After leaving the Air Force, Smith spent the first six years of his career with the Greenwood Village Fire Department.

On Feb. 1, 1964, he became a firefighter for the city, and started climbing the ladder to the top.

"I started as a hoseman, became a driver, captain, assistant chief, and became chief in 1981 when Fred Zorb retired," he said.

He served as chief until 1988, when he became fire training coordinator for BC3, a position he held until 2002.

From 1990 to 1994, Smith was a Butler city councilman, and was in charge of parks.

While on council, Smith said he was instrumental at getting the public safety building built, and restoring fireworks on the Fourth of July.

In 2003, Smith replaced Joe Huba as fire marshal and emergency management coordinator for Butler Township.