Ralph Stegbauer, of Fayette County, Ohio, passed away at the age of 71 while on duty as chief of the Concord Green Fire Department. He joined the volunteer fire department in 1976 and held several positions throughout the years, beginning as a firefighter, moving up as lieutenant, captain, training officer, and battalion chief. In April of 2007, he was appointed chief of the department.

Members of the CGFD described Ralph as an excellent leader and stated that they were happy to follow him and his example of hard work and dedication. While on the department, he was instrumental in applying for and receiving many grants that helped the department obtain jaws of life, safety equipment, vehicles, and communication equipment.

Having been born and raised on a farm, the agriculture community was very important to Ralph. Not only did he help secure grain bin safety equipment for his department, he also played an essential role in creating and developing an annual training that fosters understanding and builds relationships between farmers and first responders throughout Fayette County.

In addition to being a fire chief, Ralph was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife of 49 years, Nancy, and dad to his children, Eric and Kim. He was also the proudest Pappa to five grandchildren, Madylyn, Emma, Joel, Charlee, and Olivia. He made sure to brag on each one of them whenever he could.

Retirement from his full-time job in 2017 allowed to him to put his focus into what he loved most—family, church, the community, and the fire department—where he always made sure to let the light of the Lord shine through him. Ralph and his wife attended the Crossroads Christian Church in Washington Court House, where he enjoyed being a greeter on Sunday mornings.

One of his favorite Bible verses was John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” On November 25, 2023, he did just that!