‘Jeff watched our island grow’: Hilton Head’s longest serving firefighter retires after 41 years
Hilton Head Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Jeffrey Hartberger retired Tuesday after 41 years of service.
The firefighter has worked for Hilton Head for almost as long as the town has existed, making him the longest serving town employee to date. He joined the department on Sept. 14, 1984, one year after Hilton Head was incorporated as a municipality, Mayor Alan Perry remarked at a June 17 town council meeting.
“Over the years Jeff watched our island grow and transform, and through it all he’s been a steady, knowledgeable, tried and true presence within our fire and rescue team,” Perry said at the meeting. “He has trained, mentored and influenced many firefighters throughout his career helping to shape the department into what it is today.”
Hartenberger was the longest serving member of the fire department, and was a “wealth of knowledge,” Deputy Fire Marshal Russell Rogers said.
In a video posted to Hilton Head Fire Rescue’s Facebook page, Deputy Fire Chief Joehida Fister, who joined the fire department 24 years ago, wished her colleague fond farewell.
“It’s hard to believe that last of the crew that guided me all those years ago is retiring,” Fister said. “Enjoy this next season, one with fewer alarms and more peace, fewer emergencies and more time with the people you love.”
Hartberger plans to travel with his wife in their new RV and spend more time with his two adult daughters. The town gifted him two YETI camp chairs to celebrate his retirement.
He will be replaced by Jonathan Bills, who has served Hilton Head Fire Rescue for more than 18 years.
