It was an emotional and bittersweet evening at the Altona fire hall on Monday as members of the department gathered to celebrate one of their own. 

35 years ago, James Stoesz became a member of Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services because the community needed volunteers. Monday's dinner not only celebrated those years of service, but also marked Stoesz's retirement as the department's Assistant Chief. 

"It's humbling," said Stoesz. "I didn't do this for thirty-five years to be celebrated at the end. It was for the community [...] I wanted to give back to the community."

Those reasons, however, grew over time. 

"You're getting older, and you see the young guys coming up and they need training," explained Stoesz. "So, you want them to have that same respect for the community as what you have. It is respect for the community and the people around you, and you want to help them in their time of need. That's the biggest thing. And do it to your ability."

It seems that influence has had an effect. 

Stoesz's retirement has resulted in some movement within the department's ranks, and two of the new Lieutenants that have been appointed are his own family. They are his son, Steven Stoesz, and son-in-law, Nathan Klassen. 

"It feels great to see the influence I've had," said Stoesz as he choked up. "Steven has been at the hall on Saturday mornings checking vehicles with me. He grew up here too." 

James surrounded by his family.Stoesz's retirement has resulted in some movement within the department's ranks, and two of the new Lieutenants that have been appointed are his own family. They are his son, Steven Stoesz (far right), and son-in-law, Nathan Klassen. 

Meantime, the Assistant Chief position has been filled by long-serving member, Mark Krahn.

Over the years, Stoesz has seen his fair share of people at their worst as he responded to fires, motor vehicle collisions and a medley of other calls for service. We asked him how he managed the mental and emotional toll of it all.

"You get through it and then later on, you talk with people to alleviate the pain in your mind, what you see, and in your heart," he said. "The biggest thing is - are their souls ready for the next step? When they pass on, and most of them are at accident scenes, is their soul ready to be received in Paradise?"

His fellow department members provided him with that outlet, sharing the burden. 

"To have that fellowship with each other is the biggest thing. That you can talk to any one of them and they can all relate to you," said Stoesz.

In fact, when writing his resignation letter, Stoesz said it was thinking of this comradery that made it so difficult. 

As for what's next, Stoesz will be moving on from saving people from life-threatening situations to saving their souls. When the time is right, and with the Lord's help, he says he will be ordained as a minister in the Sommerfeld Church. 
 
"We need strong leadership in the community to help people and, without the Lord's help, we can't do it on our own. He needs to be with us, and we need to be with him," he explained, adding this connection is not unlike the one formed within the fire department. "As officers, we all have to be connected with one another. If we're not connected with the Chief, then we run our own ways and we can't be connected as a team. So, with the Lord's help, we'll be a team too."

Monday's celebration wasn't goodbye, however. Stoesz will return to the department as its second Chaplain. 

Stoesz will return as the department's second ChaplainStoesz was presented with his Chaplain stripes at Monday's dinner.