After 29 years of service to the Oakdale community, Rick Bachman has hung up his turnout gear for a new chapter – retirement. Battalion Chief Kevin Wise and Deputy Chief Michael Wapnowski of the Stanislaus Consolidated fire Protection District presented Bachman with a plaque to show appreciation for his years of service at the fire board meeting on Thursday, June 8. His official retirement date was May 15, 2017.

Bachman began his service with the Oakdale City Fire Department in June 1988 and continued with them through August 2014. He then transitioned over when the contract for service started with the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District.

During the presentation Wapnowski shared some of Bachman’s accomplishments including being a county wide hazmat team participant and a couple years as the hazmat team leader. He was the union President for the Oakdale City local and he was a training officer for the Oakdale City Fire Department.

“He recently had established the Explorer program which was in desperate need for the agency,” said Wapnowski. “He took the lead and was able to mold the younger generation to want to be a fireman.”

Some of his retirement activities will include fishing and working for Stanislaus County’s mobile book program.

“If nothing else I want you to know my final years with Stanislaus Consolidated were fantastic,” stated Bachman. “If everybody could go out with this kind of enjoyment for their final years and the memories I have had here. I wish it on everybody.”