Lebanon Fire District Announces Retirement Of Two Longtime Members (Photo) - 12/30/25

The Lebanon Fire District is honored to recognize and celebrate the retirement of two dedicated members whose combined careers total more than seven decades of committed service to the community: Division Chief – Fire Marshal Ken Foster and Lieutenant/Acting Battalion Chief Michael Maynard.

“Their careers represent sacrifice, grit, compassion, and unwavering commitment,” said Fire Chief John Tacy. “Ken and Mike shaped lives, mentored future generations, and set a standard of excellence that will live long beyond their final shifts. On behalf of the Lebanon Fire District, we thank them—deeply—for giving so much of themselves to this community and to this profession.”

Their departures mark the close of two extraordinary chapters in Lebanon’s fire service—each shaped by mentorship, sacrifice, family, and a lifelong calling to serve.

Division Chief – Fire Marshal Ken Foster

For 36 years, Ken Foster has been a steadfast presence in the Lebanon Fire District—a career born from a family deeply woven into the fabric of public safety.

“It was a family affair,” Foster reflected. “My uncle was the Fire Chief at the time, my dad had been a volunteer, my brother-in-law and future brother-in-law were all members. My mother had been a part of the women’s auxiliary for years.”

Ken joined the fire service as a volunteer after completing academy in December 1989 in Lacomb. After several years of volunteering and a brief internal crossroads between the stability of a metal fabrication job and the uncertainty of a new career, a mentor stepped in—Battalion Chief Ron Danielson.

“He came into the shop I was working at and convinced me to apply. He explained what retirement and benefits meant. It took a couple days to process, but it was the best decision I ever made,” Foster said.

Over the course of his career, he served as Volunteer Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, Full-Time Firefighter, Deputy Fire Marshal, Lieutenant, and finally Division Chief of Fire and Life Safety/Fire Marshal.

Among his greatest achievements is the work he led within Fire and Life Safety since 2017—modernizing and strengthening community protections and safety practices. But beyond systems and programs, his greatest pride is deeply personal.

“I am most proud of my wife and kids—they are amazing. I am proud to have served this community in various capacities over the past 36 years. I have tried to make the lives of the people we serve better in one way or another, and that is very rewarding.”

Ken expressed gratitude for the mentors who shaped him: “My uncle Larry Arnold, my mother Carolyn, my dad Dennis, Training Chief Ted Fitzwater, and previous Chief Joe Rodondi. I never imagined retiring out as a Chief Officer.”

Retirement for Ken will be a new chapter—one filled with slowing down, spending time with family, and returning to projects long waiting for attention.

“I bought my ’55 Chevy from my dad when I was 15 and always wanted to build it the way I imagined. We started a few years ago and have a long way to go. I’m looking forward to being able to drop what I’m doing and go spend time with my wife Renee and do whatever we want, whenever we want. I have a list—and she has hers—I won’t be running out of things to do anytime soon.”

Lieutenant & Acting Battalion Chief Michael Maynard

For 33 years, Mike Maynard has served Lebanon—not originally as a goal, but as a path that unfolded in front of him.

He was first introduced to fire service at age 7, standing inside a small volunteer station in Crawfordsville while his father and neighbors raced out on calls. “I would sweep the bay floor and wait for them to return,” he shared. “As a young child hearing that plectron go off in the middle of the night and watching him run down the hallway left a pretty big impression on me.”

When he turned 18, he joined Sweet Home Fire as a member. After encouragement from Brent Gaskey, he applied for Lebanon Fire District in 1992 as a resident volunteer. “I remember walking in and talking with Deputy Chief Wilkerson one day and that night I moved into the station. It was intimidating—I hardly knew anyone.”

His journey continued—Resident Volunteer, Intern/Part-Time Firefighter/EMT, Full-Time Firefighter (1996), Lieutenant (2016), and Acting Battalion Chief when needed.

Mike’s reflections include proud moments—many of them grounded in teamwork.

“One that sticks out most was in May of 2024. My crew and I were involved in a rescue at a small residential care facility and were able to successfully pull a resident trapped in a bedroom. The teamwork and tenacity they showed that night was truly amazing. I could not have been more proud.”

His career, like many in the fire service, also carried heavy challenges—especially mental health.

“The 2018 Camp Fire in California broke me and forced me to do something about my mental health. It changed me and I am grateful for that. I encourage anyone struggling to reach out for help. There is absolutely no shame in asking.”

Mike emphasized the influence of mentors, including his father and Uncle Bob—whose volunteerism shaped his earliest understanding of service—and former Chief Joe Rodondi.

“His belief in my abilities and my knowledge were so good for my personal and professional growth. I truly appreciate everything he has done for me.”

Above all, Mike’s biggest point of pride is being part of LFD itself.

“I work alongside some of the most amazing people. It's no secret we run short for the call volume we have. When I started in 1996, we ran around 2,500 calls a year and now we’re around 7,000—with essentially the same number of people. Putting on the uniform and representing the fire district is something I will always be proud of.”

As he steps into retirement, he looks toward a new kind of life—one defined by family and freedom.

“I’m looking forward to living life uninterrupted. Sleeping in my own bed every night. Hunting, fishing, being a full-time cheer and dance dad, helping my wife, and spending more time with my daughter Nora. I don’t know exactly what retirement looks like, but I know I’m ready.”

He closed his reflections with gratitude: “I have spent 33 years in a town I was not from and made it mine. Getting the honor to serve the people of this district has been truly special. I will miss the job, but I will miss my people the most. Take care of each other. I will always be a phone call away and will always be in your corner.”