Mary Pieper
Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa
(TNS)
Aug. 31—Carl Ginapp celebrated his retirement after 28 years with the Mason City Fire Department Friday with his family, which he said includes not only his wife, Marcia Ginapp, and their three daughters, but also his fire and ambulance colleagues.
“We’ve been everywhere together. We’ve seen everything together. We’ve had hard times. We’ve had great times,” he told the audience during a ceremony at the MCFD station.
Ginapp joined the department in 1996 as a firefighter. He was one of the first members of the MCFD to become a paramedic in 2004.
“I just fell in love with it,” he told the Globe Gazette. “We have an opportunity on every call to make a difference in somebody’s life.”
Ginapp was later promoted to training officer. In 2020, he became the deputy chief for EMS, which involves everything to do with the ambulance side of the fire department.
He became eligible for retirement this year at age 55.
“You have made countless sacrifices for this department and this community,” Mason City Fire Chief Erik Bullinger told Ginapp during Friday’s ceremony.
“Your desire to make a difference and your belief in integrity and inspiring others will undoubtedly benefit the wider community just as it has benefitted us her at the Mason City Fire Department.”
Bullinger praised Ginapp’s quiet strength and confidence, noting his actions spoke louder than words.
Bullinger said Ginapp cared about each of his colleagues on a personal level and set a standard of excellence that will guide the fire department for years to come.
He encouraged Ginapp to enjoy what he loves during retirement, “whether that means racking up a few more victories at the pool hall or catching a big one down by the lake.”
Ginapp said although leaving the fire department after so many years is “bittersweet,” he has great confidence in the next generation. That includes his successor, Mitch Smith. who has been with the department since 2013.
Ginapp has been training Smith in his new duties for the past week and a half.
“He’s a wealth of knowledge,” Smith said.
Ginapp was born and raised in Mason City, graduating from Mason City High School and North Iowa Area Community College.
As an adjunct instructor at NIACC, he has taught emergency medical technician classes in the evenings. He has also served is a board member of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association.
Ginapp is running for the District 3 seat on the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors.
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