The Noblesville Fire Department (NFD) will hold a retirement ceremony to recognize Deputy Chief Chris Gellinger for his 37 years of service to the citizens of Noblesville.
Gellinger
Deputy Chief Gellinger was born in Noblesville and graduated from Hamilton Heights High School. He began his firefighting career with the Cicero Fire Department, where he served for six years before joining NFD on Jan. 16, 1986. At that time, NFD had two stations and four trucks to serve approximately 13,000 people.
Gellinger quickly rose through the ranks serving as a Lieutenant for four years, then Battalion Chief for 23 years, and finishing his career as Deputy Fire Chief for the past six years.
Gellinger is a member of the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy and served as a member of NFD’s Tactical Rescue Team, Hazmat Team, and the Truck Committee. He was the 2012 recipient of the Noblesville Fire Department Leadership Award.
Gellinger and his wife of 42 years, Karen, raised their family in Noblesville with all four of his children graduating from Noblesville High School.
When asked about his time at NFD, Gellinger said, “It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Noblesville and be a part of the growth from two stations when I was hired to now seven stations. Our members numbered in the low 20s when I was hired and grew to today’s numbers topping 150. I knew after my first shift day at NFD that this was the place where I wanted to spend my career. It has always been an honor to put on the uniform and get to come to work every day.”
After retirement, the Gellingers plan to spend more time traveling.
“Deputy Chief Gellinger has brought his expertise, experience, and calm demeanor to chaotic scenes for over three decades,” Fire Chief Matt Mitchell said. “Thank you for selflessly serving the community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.”
Deputy Chief Gellinger’s ceremony will be held on Friday, Feb. 24 at Noblesville Fire Department Station 7, 135 S. 9th St., Noblesville. The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. with an open house to follow. The public is invited to attend.