Steven Kellogg steps down as chief of Serena Fire Department

Wherever someone lives, works or plays, it should always be a goal to leave it better than you found it.

Former Serena Fire Chief Steven Kellogg — after being a firefighter for over 42 years, including 35 with the Serena Community Fire Protection District — has done just that.

Kellogg, who said firefighting has been a great way to serve his community, served his last "official" day with the department on Nov. 11.

"I'm still going to be hanging around the firehouse, but I just won't be a fireman," said Kellogg, who is being replaced as chief by Ron Riveland. "I'm planning on still doing a little bit of paperwork there — keeping an eye on the grants we may be able to attain and insurance matters.

"It will help get me out of the house in the winter."

Kellogg says he's most proud of his advancement over the years within the department.

"I'm proud of working up through the ranks. I started as just a firefighter, then moved up to safety officer, assistant chief, deputy chief and then chief. This was the second time I was chief, so I'm the only chief that's been there twice.

"I'm stepping away because of my age and health ... it's time to go and let the younger guys do it."

A post on the Serena Firefighter's Association Facebook page says:

"Steve was a dedicated chief and member of the department that can never be replaced. Many of his accomplishments to the district have come in the form of retrieving several thousands of dollars in grant money, the replacement of our heavy rescue squad truck, the replacement of our aerial ladder, and the replacement of our chief's buggy. One of the major accomplishments was the completion of the district's new training facility [in Norway] which will be used to train firefighters for years to come.

"On behalf of the Serena Firefighters Association, and the Serena Community Fire Protection District we want to say THANK YOU for all you have done for your Community and your fellow man."

Kellogg says, like most things, the biggest change during his over four decades in the profession was the addition of new technology, mostly in the form of safety equipment and training.

"Back in the day, we used to ride on the back of the firetrucks, and of course we don't do that now because of safety," said Kellogg with a small laugh. "Safety has improved a lot over the years for firefighters, from the gear we wear to the equipment we use to the training we get and provide.

"I think that has been a great thing, and hopefully it continues."

Kellogg retired from Caterpillar 19 years ago after 31 years and since has been working part-time at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet and helps his son-in-law with farming, but firefighting has been sort of a family affair much of his life. His father, an uncle, his two sons and a daughter have also been in and around firefighting in Serena.

"[My dad] is the one that started it off," said Kellogg. "We lived in Norway back then, and I used to watch the firetruck they had stationed there go by on the way to a call ... it was a big deal as a kid to run out and watch that."