For more than half a century Richard Hale served Mauston residents as a member and leader of the fire department.
When Hale passed away on June 26, 2019, the city lost one of its longest serving and impactful public servants and community leaders. In conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10, the Star-Times is looking back at the life and service of Fire Chief Richard Hale.
Born Jan. 19, 1932 in Elroy, Hale was one of three children. His family moved to Mauston while he was still a child, and he graduated from Mauston High School before spending the rest of his life in the city.
“He was dedicated (to Mauston,)” said former colleague at the fire department Joe Donovan. “He was tireless, and he was just a good person.”