A firm, fair and compassionate leader with a great workplace demeanor — that’s how colleagues were remembering former Kenosha fire chief Richard Thomas on Tuesday.
Thomas, a member of the Kenosha Fire Department for 35 years and chief from 1991 to 1999, died Sunday. He was 75.
“We had a tremendous working relationship,” said Richard Bosanko, retired assistant fire chief. “He was a fun guy to work with.”
Described as a quiet, thoughtful man, Thomas was known to “do due diligence to explore all avenues before making a decision,” Bosanko said. “He studied things and didn't react off the cuff.”
“He was a good listener who kept everything in perspective and kept everyone informed in the department,” said Capt. Dan Radandt of Station No. 7.