Long-time Rochester Fire Chief Ollie Mertz, who died in May, left behind quite a legacy. His policies and personality shaped Rochester.
Ollive served 43 years on the Rochester Fire Department.
"He worked very hard, and Mom was the inspiration behind him,” said Ollie’s son, Greg Mertz.
"He'd say 'I love you' more than anything. Those were his last words to me. I can still see him look at me as he faded away," said Barbara Mertz, Ollie's widow.
Barbara met Ollie when she was 13 years old.
"I always noticed that when he walked, he always had money is his pocket. I used to tell him I like that jingle," said Barbara Mertz.
For kids growing up in the Depression, that was a big deal.