EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, MO – Longtime Excelsior Springs Deputy Fire Chief Scott O’Dell hung up his helmet Friday after a distinguished 37-year career with the department.
O’Dell was honored at a retirement party on May 24th, surrounded by dozens of friends, family, and current and former colleagues. Fire Chief Joe Maddick praised O’Dell’s dedication, stating that he’d done every job at the Fire Department, from mundane everyday tasks to the most heroic and heart-wrenching duties.
Kenny Slavens, a firefighter who served under O’Dell, delivered a heartfelt speech, crediting O’Dell for shaping the direction of his life. “I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you,” Slavens said. Slavens and fellow firefighter Johnny Conrick presented O’Dell with a special gift – a well-worn Simpson’s Monopoly board, a staple of their post-dinner game nights that often stretched into the early morning.
Adding a touch of humor to the afternoon, Assistant Fire Chief Brad Smith presented Chief O’Dell with an unusual memento: a piece of the ladder truck O’Dell had accidentally broken years ago when it was brand new. “I dug this out of the dumpster and I’ve had it in my garage for years, just waiting for this moment,” Smith chuckled, revealing his long-held prank.
O’Dell received additional mementos of his service, including his helmet, a flag that had flown over the fire station, and a framed firefighter’s axe. He, in turn, surprised the department by gifting his enormous keychain – a collection of keys used for emergency access to various buildings throughout the community – to newly appointed Deputy Fire Chief Camron White.
Click the play button to hear the final call for Chief O’Dell.
The afternoon concluded with a touching tribute. A call went out over emergency radios announcing O’Dell’s retirement and expressing gratitude for his decades of service. As the final words echoed through the station, a wave of emotion washed over the room. Handshakes, hugs, and tears were shared as attendees gathered around O’Dell to bid him a happy retirement. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the camaraderie forged within the fire service, a bond strengthened by shared experiences and a deep respect for those who dedicate their lives to protecting their communities.
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