Community Corner

A New Station in Life: Mike Ott Answers One Last Call—Retirement

A barbecue at the Lemon Grove Senior Center on Sunday celebrated the fire captain's December retirement.

What better way to celebrate a fireman's retirement than with a controlled burn?

Even though there was a fire engine right in front of the Lemon Grove Senior Center on Sunday, there was no cause for alarm. The smoke that was rising from the patio was from a grill topped with sizzling burgers and sausages. It was part of a big barbecue in honor of retired fire Captain Mike Ott, who stepped down from the Lemon Grove Fire Department in December after 31 years of service — 20 of that as captain.

Inside the center, tables were filled with chips and salsa, fruit trays and side dishes to go along with the grilled goodies. Outside, there were a lot of laughter and hugs going around.

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The party drew a crowd of well wishers, including firefighters, retired colleagues, law enforcement, city officials, friends and family. Deputy Chief Tim Smith, of Heartland Fire & Rescue, was among those celebrating, as was longtime friend, Mayor Mary Sessom.

Sessom noted Ott's service to the city, as well as numerous other civic groups over the years stretching back to when they both were on the PTA. She's sorry to see the fire department loose one of its vital connections.

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"That kind of community leadership is hard to replace," she says.

Smith talked about Ott's large, extended family and expressed his hopes for a happy retirement.

"I wish him the best, enjoying his family and persuing all the fun things in life," he says.

As for the retired captain, who served 31 years in the department and two in the reserve, Ott says with a satisfying laugh that he's happy doing nothing for the moment, other than some work on his house.

"I miss the people, but I don't miss the calls," he says. "I'm loving retirement. Absolutely loving it."


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