The firefighting community and neighbors in West Bend, WI are offering up prayers as word spreads about the passing of former West Bend Fire Chief Ray Roskopf.
Andy Gonring was president of the Police & Fire Commission when Roskopf was hired. “Awesome guy,” said Gonring. “Great asset to the community.”
Roskopf rose through the ranks at the West Bend Fire Department. He was promoted from motor pump operator to battalion chief and then fire chief on September 18, 1995, following the retirement of Chief Brian Mayer on July 31, 1995.
Roskopf retired March 17, 1999, and was replaced by then Battalion Chief Gerald Kudek, until a full-time chief was named.
Kudek, who retired in 2023, said Roskopf was gold standard for the department. “Just a super guy and a great boss. He was soft spoken but cared about everybody,” he said.