Veteran firefighter Helmuth Ritter died this week.

Helmuth served more than 50 years with the Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department, starting in 1966. he continued to serve on the force until not long before his death this Monday, Nov. 11.

Helmuth was also an active member of the Strathcona Vintage Tractor Association and loved to drive his own machines as well as Fort Saskatchewan's historic 1929 Bickle fire truck.

Among many honours, Helmuth received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013.

Helmuth lost his wife, Donna Delores, just over a year ago, on May 30, 2023, after 57 years of marriage. They have a daughter, a son, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A fire station to be located on Southridge Boulevard is to be named in his honour. Funding for planning this $22 million project is currently in the 2025 City of Fort Saskatchewan capital budget, with construction scheduled to start in 2027.

The family had not yet arranged a date and time for Helmuth's memorial as of the time of this printing. But you can bet that if there is a ceremony, Helmuth will get a ride on the Bickle fire truck one last time.