40 and out
Romulus firefighter marks 4 decades of service at retirement celebration
Thiede, has “answered the call with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community,” for 40 years, officials said. “His leadership, experience, and willingness to mentor those around him have left a lasting impact on our department and everyone fortunate enough to serve alongside him.”
One of the most memorable events in Thiede’s career took place immediately following the disastrous Flight 255. Thiede, a rookie firefighter in 1987 when the plane crashed immediately after takeoff killing all 156 souls aboard, was one of the first firefighters responding at the scene of the wreckage. He and two other firefighters discovered the only survivor of the crash, 4-year-old Cecila Chichan who was strapped into a booster device in her airplane seat. Her miraculous survival was celebrated across the country.
Thiede has since come to know Cichon as an adult and was even invited to her wedding.
Thiede has also gained fame with his second career as an actor. He is well-known throughout the area and beyond for his professional appearances in multiple stage and film productions. He trained at Second City Theater in Detroit and has appeared on Detroit 1-8-7 and All My Children among many other professional credits. He also hosted the weekly sports show Sports Talk 60 on the Comcast Sports Channel, fulfilling a lifelong dream, he said.
Thiede is also the founder of the Hook and Ladder Theatre Company in Romulus which presents live stage productions in the community.
During his official retirement ceremony, he was presented with a resolution by Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight along with a certificate from Mayor Pro Tem Tina Talley.
Officials recalled details of Thiede’s long career and his well-known humor.
“Forty years in the fire service is more than a career—it’s a legacy of sacrifice, dedication, and countless lives touched. While his presence on the apparatus floor will be missed, the example he has set will continue to influence future generations of firefighters,” officials said.
In a Facebook posting, the department staff thanked Thiede “For your extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment. We wish you and your family nothing but health, happiness, and many well-earned adventures in retirement.”
Thiede recently accepted a position as City of Belleville Fire Chief.
